VA Resumes Caregiver Support Program
August 08, 2017
There has been controversy swirling around the VA’s decision earlier this year to remove thousands of caregivers from the Caregiver Support Program, leaving many veterans helpless. This criticism led to a three month suspension, during which the VA says it has reviewed the issues and “have taken immediate steps to improve the program’s operations.”
Earlier this week, the VA decided to resume the caregiver program in order to effectively meet the needs of both caregivers and veterans. The Caregiver Support Program was created in 2011, and was perceived by many to be a long-term program. Meg Kabat, National Director of the Caregiver Support Program, explains it’s neither long nor short term but rather based on the veteran’s individual needs.
Kabat identified communication as one of the significant issues with the program. They found many veterans and caregivers weren’t given proper explanations of why they were being removed from the program. A new directive focused on better communication, improved internal processes and procedures, and additional staff training which is aimed at improving the program for everyone.
Kabat urges anyone disappointed with their removal from the program to appeal the decision. As the program progresses with its new directive, the goal is for eligibility decisions to become more transparent. Although the program is moving in the right direction, continued improvement is necessary for the success of this important program.