Blog post

VA Family Caregiver Internet Workshop
Posted by Tom Tarantino on December 5 2008

VA providing training for Caregivers The role of family caregivers in the recovery and rehabilitation process for service members wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, has become more and more prominent as  soldiers are coming home with injuries that require life long care from spouses, parents and loved ones. These caregivers often are thrown in to the DoD and VA medical systems with little or no training on the intricacies of the various health care and disability systems. After several years of brave men and women navigating the often convoluted systems and tirelessly advocating for their wounded warriors, the VA is beginning to provide training programs that may help deal with many of the issues that caregivers face.  Out west caregivers can sign up to take the VA's new Caregiver Internet Workshop.  See the release from the VA below for details: FREE VA FAMILY CAREGIVER INTERNET WORKSHOP NOW  AVAILABLE BUILDING BETTER CAREGIVERS! A FREE 6 WEEK INTERNET CLASS AND SELF-CARE/SELF MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP TO BENEFIT VETERANS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS This program is now open for registration to family caregivers of veterans or veterans who serve as caregivers. Eligible participants are in California, Southern Nevada and Hawaii and are providing care for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Dementia. Please feel free to share the attached information to appropriate caregivers and other interested staff or groups.  There will be a number of classes with varying start dates, filled on a first come, first serve basis. This course covers: a. skills that may lead to stress reduction for the caregiver and veteran b. self-care methods to maintain or enhance health c. dealing with difficult emotions d. managing difficult care recipient behaviors e. planning for the future f. information about VA and community resources g. communications skills to increase effectiveness with both the care recipient and the medical staff h. how to ask for help when you  need it For more information go to: http://caregivers.stanford.edu