VA Outpatient Clinic to accept applications for caregiver support

Watertown VA Outpatient Clinic to accept applications for caregiver support
By REBECCA MADDEN
TIMES STAFF WRITER
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011


Caregivers need caregivers, too.

That is the message the Department of Veterans Affairs wants to get out to north country residents who are caregivers for veterans.

“The VA realizes they’re out there, walking side-by-side with veterans,” said Cheryl M. Cox, the VA’s Syracuse-area caregiver support coordinator. “I think a lot of people don’t know there are programs and services to help with what the caregivers face.”

Ms. Cox said for some time, the VA has offered basic caregiver support services, including home health aides, respite care and adult day care. The new caregiver support program, however, is an enhanced version for caregivers of veterans who were injured on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Benefits of the enhanced program include a monthly stipend, mental health services and access to health insurance if they do not already have coverage.
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