Understand care at home
Learn the difference between everyday support and skilled services, then prepare questions about availability, coverage, and who arranges care.
Explore care at homeFor caregivers
Support for People Caring for a Veteran
Whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, or another veteran in your life, start with the task in front of you. You do not have to figure out everything at once.
Make the next step manageable
What are you trying to organize?
Prepare for a transition
Before a discharge or change in services, ask the responsible team for a written next-step plan, a contact person, and an explanation of what has actually been arranged.
Plan your questionsFind caregiver support
Explore education, peer communities, and support programs. Ask about eligibility and access; a listing does not mean every service is available everywhere.
See caregiver organizationsUnderstand benefits and access
Start with official information or an accredited representative when questions involve benefits, applications, or appeals.
Find benefits informationA simple preparation checklist
- Ask the veteran what matters most and how they want you involved.
- Write down the practical task: a ride, help with daily routines, an appointment, or a question about services.
- Identify the organization or care-team member responsible for that task.
- Ask what is confirmed, what is still pending, and whom to contact next.
- Keep your own support needs on the list, including breaks, information, and someone to talk with.
For transportation or respite questions, ask the veteran's care team or the relevant program about local arrangements and availability. The links below are starting points for that conversation.
Start with the source
Caregiver resources and communities
Each organization sets its own eligibility and availability. These listings are resources, not CareForVets partner endorsements.
Care at home · Family caregiving
VA Respite Care
Explore temporary care that gives a family caregiver time away from caregiving. VA describes options at home, in adult day health care, or in a nursing home, depending on assessed needs and available services.
- Who it helps
- Veterans receiving care and their family caregivers.
- Access and location
- VA program; respite settings and availability vary locally.
- How to start
- Ask a VA social worker about clinical criteria, scheduling, and copays. Enrollment is required; community-provided respite also requires community care eligibility.
Visit VA Respite Care
Source checked · Official source
Family caregiving
VA Caregiver Support Program
Find caregiver education, coaching, peer support, and contacts for a local VA Caregiver Support Team. VA explains its general support program and the separate Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
- Who it helps
- Family caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA health care.
- Access and location
- VA caregiver support teams serve VA facilities across the country.
- How to start
- Use the team locator or call 855-260-3274. Program requirements differ; access to general support does not establish eligibility for a stipend.
Visit VA Caregiver Support Program
Source checked · Official source
Family caregiving
Caregiver Action Network Help Desk
Find practical caregiving information, resource guidance, and ways to connect with other caregivers. The Help Desk offers phone support and links to tools for organizing responsibilities and finding support for yourself.
- Who it helps
- Family and friend caregivers, including those supporting veterans and older adults.
- Access and location
- U.S. national caregiver information and remote support.
- How to start
- Call 855-227-3640 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern, or explore the website. Check the current schedule before calling.
Visit Caregiver Action Network Help Desk
Source checked · Official source
Disability and rehabilitation · Family caregiving
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
Browse research-based information about spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and burn injury. Factsheets, videos, and illustrated resources explain rehabilitation and daily living topics that can help you prepare questions for a care team.
- Who it helps
- People living with these injuries, families, and caregivers; military service is not required.
- Access and location
- Online educational resources, including Spanish-language collections.
- How to start
- Read or download the public materials. This is an information collection; arrange individual assessment or treatment with a health care professional.
Visit Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center
Source checked · Official source
Disability and rehabilitation · Family caregiving
Brain Injury Association of America
Find information for people living with brain injury and for caregivers. The National Brain Injury Information Center answers resource questions, and the site offers guides on what to expect after brain injury and a caregiver resource center.
- Who it helps
- People with brain injury, family members, caregivers, and other supporters.
- Access and location
- U.S. national information resource; confirm access to any suggested local service.
- How to start
- Call 800-444-6443 or use the official information request form. Educational information does not determine an individual treatment plan.
Visit Brain Injury Association of America
Source checked · Official source