AMERICUS, GA (June 2, 2022) — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) are launching a new partnership to support caregivers of Veterans, caregivers who are Veterans, and caregivers who work for the VA. Both organizations will work collaboratively to increase awareness of the needs of caregivers of Veterans, increase caregiver access to programs, services, and resources, and improve caregiver outcomes.
The new partnership stems from a shared mission to support military caregivers. The VA recognizes the important role of family caregivers in supporting the health and wellness of Veterans, and provides direct support to those family caregivers through its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. With a goal of providing direct support to the heroes behind our heroes, two of RCI’s flagship programs are designed exclusively for military caregivers. Operation Family Caregiver (OFC) and Operation Caregiver Support (OCS) are free, virtual programs that provide support and resources to military caregivers. Additional details about RCI’s military-specific programs are available below.
Operation Family Caregiver
Operation Family Caregiver (OFC) provides eight sessions of tailored one-on-one coaching to caregivers of service members and Veterans from all service eras. OFC sessions are delivered virtually by specially trained coaches, to meet a caregiver wherever they are. Coaches work with the caregiver to build skills related to problem-solving, self-care, stress management, and safety.
Operation Caregiver Support
Operation Caregiver Support (OCS) is a virtual support group for post-9/11 military and Veteran caregivers. In addition to general groups, RCI offers specialty groups for Spanish speakers and parents who are caregivers to wounded warriors. OCS is offered bi-monthly, and caregivers can choose which group or groups to attend. Groups foster connections with one another, create a community of support, and build strategies for managing stress, creating a care team, and more.
All sessions for each program are flexible and available in both English and Spanish.
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About the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers was established in 1987 by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter to promote the health, strength, and resilience of caregivers throughout the United States. RCI fulfills its promise to champion the family caregiver by building cross-sector partnerships, developing and providing evidence-based programs and advocating for public policy.