VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System
Caregiver Support
Caring for the Caregiver
VA Central Western Massachusetts provides help to those who are caring for Veterans with chronic illness, disability and health care needs. Caregivers are the family members and loved ones who provide care for Veterans who are living with the effects of war, disability, chronic illness, or aging. They deserve VA’s highest level of support.
VA values the sacrifices caregivers make to help Veterans remain at home. Caregivers are the critical link to ensuring Veterans have the highest quality care and optimal wellness. We want all caregivers to feel supported and have trust in VA to assist them in their caregiving roles.
Services
Staff at VA Central Western Massachusetts can provide assistance to the caregiver in a variety of ways, to include:
- Referrals for education and services
- Help to address current and future care needs
- A dementia caregiver support group, offered on a weekly basis
- Our Respite program offers caregivers a break from the demands of providing ongoing care
- Referrals for Adult Day Health Care program
Locally, the Caregiver Support Coordinator for VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is Mary McDermott, licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). She can be reached at (413) 584-4040 ext. 2554, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Caregiver Services
VA offers a number of services that can provide you with the support that's right for you. Whether you and the Veteran you care for could use some help at home or you just need someone to listen, we're here to support you. Follow the link to learn more about the variety of services available to Family Caregivers.
Services for Family Caregivers of Veterans
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is expanding to all eras.
Expansion rolls out in two phases beginning with eligible Veterans who served on or before May 7, 1975, and phase two, beginning October 1, 2022, will include eligible Veterans who served between May 7, 1975, and September 11, 2001.
PCAFC, which prior to this expansion was only available for eligible Post-9/11 Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty, provides resources, education, support, a financial stipend, health insurance, and beneficiary travel to caregivers of eligible Veterans.
Veterans with a 70% service-connected disability who served either on or after September 11, 2001, or on or before May 7, 1975, and are in need of Caregivers Support should contact their local Caregivers Support Coordinator, or visit https://www.caregiver.va.gov for more information.
Questions?
Have questions about VA Caregiver Support Services? Contact VA's Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274) or your local Caregiver Support Coordinator for assistance.
