The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released resources designed to help health care providers gain a deeper understanding of its Caregiver Support Program (CSP). The CSP provides clinical services, resources, and support to caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA health care, with a mission to enhance family caregivers' well-being through education, tools, and supportive services.

HCAF staff received a detailed briefing on these resources at the recent Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo in Tampa and is sharing this information to support providers.

Providers are encouraged to use these resources when discussing the CSP with veterans and their caregivers. For questions or additional information, the CSP Support Line at (855) 260-3274 is available as a starting point to help veterans and caregivers learn more about available services and eligibility requirements.

The CSP consists of two main components:

1. Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)

This program requires no formal application. To enroll, providers and caregivers should:

• Reach out to the facility CSP Team/Caregiver Support Coordinator or request a referral from the veteran’s provider.
• Complete an intake with the facility CSP Team/Caregiver Support Coordinator.
• Obtain the veteran's agreement to receive care from the designated caregiver, who will be listed in their health care record.
• Enroll and begin utilizing the services and supports offered by the PGCSS.

2. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

If eligibility criteria are uncertain, take the following steps:

• Review the PCAFC Eligibility Criteria Fact Sheet.
• Contact the Caregiver Support Line at (855) 260-3274.
• Use the CSP Locator Tool to connect with the local CSP team.

Additional Resources

• Appeals: For updates on specific appeals, the VA Support Line at (855) 260-3274 provides feedback on appeal progress, or providers can visit the PCAFC Decisions webpage for information.
• Legal and Financial Planning for Primary Family Caregivers: Caregivers enrolled in PCAFC can access online resources such as live webinars and training sessions here.
• Virtual Psychotherapy Program for Caregivers (VPPC): Enrolled PCAFC caregivers can participate in telehealth therapy sessions, including individual, group, and couples/family therapy. Click here for more information.

Each VA facility is staffed with a CSP Team/Caregiver Support Coordinator who can assist providers in understanding the resources available and help guide them in enrolling eligible veterans and caregivers in CSP programs.

For ongoing updates, the VA encourages providers to subscribe to CSP emails for news and information about program services.