VA Offers Caregiver Support
The VA’s Caregiver Support Line is 1-855-260-3274.
Caregivers voluntarily take on the daily care needs of loved ones, often with limited medical training. They make great personal sacrifices to take care of the ill, enabling these individuals to live safely and well cared for in their home settings.
“Approximately 66 million unpaid caregivers form the structure of the chronic and long-term system in this country,” said Mary Ann Kreski, Caregiver Support Coordinator for the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS). “Among this population are hard-working family members who provide care to injured and aging Veterans and many Veterans with chronic medical and mental health needs. We honor, support, and thank our caregivers who give unselfishly, and invite them to attend this special training which focuses on their needs.”
The NMVAHCS invites all caregivers of military Veterans to attend a free caregiver training program. The NMVAHCS is partnering with Easter Seals to present the training from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 18 at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 1921 Yale Avenue in Albuquerque. Topics of the program include Managing Stress and Problem Solving, and Effective Communication for Family Caregivers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Those wishing to attend must pre-register by April 25. To pre-register, or for more information, please contact Mary Ann Kreski or Roberta Gonzales at (505) 265-1711, ext. 7218 or ext. 2469.
The VA’s Caregiver Support Line is available to provide support, resources, and information to caregivers of Veterans. The toll-free phone number is 1-855-260-3274. The VA’s Caregiver Support website at http://www.caregiver.va.gov/ provides stories of the caregiving experience and helpful resources.
