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1 1 (February 1, 2017)

handle is hein.crs/govcdxv0001 and id is 1 raw text is: FF.~*\* gognpo go , q g 'S a X Updated February 1, 2017 Caregiver Support to Veterans In recognition of the significant role family caregivers play in providing personal care services and other supports to veterans, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-163) was signed into law on May 5, 2010. The law requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish caregiver support services to veterans. In accordance, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the following two programs: * Program of General Caregiver Support Services, which includes caregiver programs for veterans of all eras; and * Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, which provides additional supports and services to family caregivers of eligible veterans or servicemembers seriously injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Congress authorized over $1.5 billion for FY2011 through FY2015 for caregiver support programs; $625 million for FY2016; and almost $735 million for FY2017. Actual obligations for both programs were $31 million for FY201 1; $115 million for FY2012; $226 million for FY2013; $350 million for FY2014; $454 million for FY2015; and $622 (estimated) for FY2016. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services provides the following selected resources and supports to family caregivers of veterans of all eras enrolled in VA health care (for further information, see VA's Caregiver website at http://www.caregiver.va.gov/). The VA offers a Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274, toll-free) staffed by licensed social workers who respond to inquiries about caregiver services and benefits, provide information and referral to community resources and VA Caregiver Support Coordinators (CSCs), and provide emotional support. In FY2015, the VA received more than 57,000 calls and facilitated about 8,000 referrals to CSCs by the Caregiver Support Line. raeie Supk. ot-dnko The VA mandates at least one designated CSC at every VA Medical Center (VAMC). The CSC serves as the primary clinical and subject matter expert on caregiving issues, assists caregivers and veterans in accessing VA and non- VA services and benefits available, and coordinates home visits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (described below). The VA also provides a Caregiver Peer Support Mentoring Program, which connects caregivers to one another to share their experience and provide support. Mentors serve as volunteers with their local VA medical centers and receive training prior to being paired with another caregiver. Caregivers agree to participate for a minimum of six months. 'VA S-rvicesto Aszsit Caregivver,- Caregivers may be eligible for up to 30 days of respite care per calendar year, which provides temporary relief to caregivers. The VA offers respite care in a variety of settings, such as a veteran's private home or through temporary placement of the veteran in a VA Community Living Center, a VA-contracted Community Nursing Home, or an Adult Day Health Care Center. In addition to respite care services, the VA offers a range of long-term services and supports, geriatric, and extended care that can directly assist seriously injured veterans (see CRS Report R44697, Long-Term Care Services for Veterans). The following briefly describes program eligibility, benefits, and VA oversight for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. In FY2015, almost 25,000 family caregivers participated. Post 9/11 veterans and certain servicemembers eligible for the program require, at a minimum, six months of continuous and approved caregiver support that is in the best interests of the veteran or servicemember based on one of the following criteria: * inability to perform one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobility; * need for supervision, protection, or assistance due to a neurological or other impairment or injury (including Traumatic Brain Injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorders); * have psychological trauma or a mental disorder, as assessed by a licensed mental health professional; or * have a 100% service-connected disability rating with special monthly compensation that includes aid and attendance allowance. In addition, veterans and servicemembers must receive care at home, as well as receive ongoing care from a VA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) or other VA health care team. In order to receive personal care service from a family caregiver, veterans or servicemembers may not receive similar services provided by another entity, individual, or program at the same time.

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