VA to join National Family Caregivers Association

The Department of Veterans Affairs will join the National Family Caregivers Association to recognize and appreciate dedicated partners providing daily health care for Veterans during National Family Caregiver Month in November.

"Family caregivers are the family members and loved ones who take care of the severely injured Veterans who need help on a daily basis," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "These mothers, wives, fathers, husbands, and loved ones make tremendous sacrifices to be there every day for the Veterans who served this nation. Their service allows Veterans to stay in the homes they defended, surrounded by the loved ones they fought to protect."

Staff at VA medical centers across the nation will hold events aimed at honoring the service of family members and friends who have dedicated their lives to caring for chronically ill, injured, or disabled Veterans. Because caregivers often experience stress, burnout, or feel overwhelmed by the caregiving experience, planned activities will provide useful information about VA and community resources that offer support to caregivers and Veterans.

Caregivers help Veterans maintain a better quality of life and with more independence. As the Veteran population ages and continues to increase, the role of caregivers as partners in supporting Veterans is even more prevalent. VA is also treating a new era of younger, severely injured service members. Thousands of Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan will need lifetime care. VA recognizes the support of family caregivers is vital for these Veterans.