November 9, 2010


The Disabled American Veterans joins the Department of Veterans Affairs in marking National Family Caregiver Month by honoring the service of family members and friends who have dedicated their lives to caring for chronically ill, injured, or disabled veterans.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and VA medical centers nationwide will offer locally sponsored events for caregivers. Because caregivers often experience stress, burnout, or feel overwhelmed by the caregiving experience, planned activities will provide useful information about VA and community resources that offer support and assistance to caregivers and veterans.

Caregivers provide a valuable service to veterans by assisting them beyond the walls of VA medical facilities with support such as accessing the health care system, providing emotional and physical support, and allowing injured Veterans to stay in their homes rather than living their lives in an institutional setting. Caregivers help veterans maintain a better quality of life and gain more independence. As the veteran population ages and continues to increase, the role of caregivers as partners in supporting veterans is even more prevalent. The veteran population aged 65 and older is expected to increase from 37.4 percent to 44.8 percent by the year 2020. VA is also treating a new era of younger, severely injured servicemembers. Many veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan will need lifetime care. VA recognizes the support of their caregivers is vital for these veterans.