Every week we get questions about Veteran health care benefits. We have reported numerous times the inadequacy of the VA’s application process with their unfortunate “clogged pipeline” of applicants. It seems everyone who has written us sadly has a story about a father, husband, brother or maybe a story about themselves needing care and answers and not knowing where to turn. Right now the average VA benefit applicant waits two and half years for answers to their questions.

The families of our veterans who spend each day with them, holding their hands through pain and mental anguish, have at times been left to feel alone and isolated by their circumstances. For the soldier returning home a changed man to a now unfamiliar home it can be completely overwhelming to know where to even begin to start looking for help. “Nothing is ever the same again” for them says Linda Kreter, the creator of Veteran Caregiver. She has been helping families get in touch with the VA and other local and non-profit care providers. Veteran Caregiver was recently created  in order to provide a go between for veteran caregivers and veteran care providers to help establish a means of communication between individuals on a one on one basis. The greatest surprise she’s encountered is the willingness of others to reach out in support of our vets. “I ask them to please contact so and so near them and you know what their usual answer is? ‘I would be honored to do so’”.  After speaking with her I had to ask, why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? Linda Kreter from Veteran Caregiver took the time to answer some of our questions. 

 

What is the mission of Veteran Care Giver?

 Our mission is to provide a foundation of connection between caregivers, VA, state and county Veterans Service Officers, and Veterans Service Organizations through a site that is exclusively dedicated to caregivers of veterans.  When people can communicate in multiple ways to find answers, new solutions, share experiences, and realize results, the quality of life of both caregiver and veteran is improved.

What is your primary goal and how do you hope to accomplish it? 

The primary goal is to support the caregivers who support the veteran.  And, to do that, we bring together the various advisors, veterans benefits officials, and VSO’s to build a network of care and support to ease daily challenges and to help families manage well despite the many challenges involved. VSO’s have a new avenue to for outreach that promotes new resources and solutions to caregivers. There is no “one size fits all” solution because families have extremely varied issues depending on their personal situation.

How long has Veteran Care Giver been around and what sparked the idea?

 Veteran Caregiver was launched in late April, only days before the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Act of 2010 passed the Senate.  This new site evolved from previous work in military family support with multi-layer networking and interactive elements that brought families together in another website we developed called Military Family Link.  In talking with VA, veteran and Wounded Warrior families, along with family support leaders, we came to realize an unmet need in supporting the caregiver.  We quickly leveraged our technology to create a unique site devoted solely to caregivers of veterans. And, because technology can only go so far, we emphasized the personal connections with real people and information that is readily accessible and provides alternatives to caregivers.

Where do you get the funding? 

Future plans to enhance Veteran Caregiver include comprehensive coordination with specific organizations and agencies that aid in the transitional stages of care.  Currently the site is privately funded.

How have you helped veterans and their families?

 Remarkably, we have heard that families are initially helped by the simple recognition and acknowledgement that their needs are important.  We heard that they needed new or varied avenues to resolve issues.  State Veterans Service Officers have written or called asking what more they can do to help, and already many communications have affirmed the ability for technology combined with personalization to make a difference.  Bringing the resources to the caregivers – not as a resource link, but as a connection with a name, a face, and a direct touch is making a difference.  Let’s face it, the veteran system is massive and backlogs and bureaucracy can be frustrating on both sides.  We give people the opportunity to share their experiences and to help one another through wisdom and friendship.

What challenges do you face when trying to help veterans and their families?

 The biggest challenge is reaching the caregivers themselves, as it’s readily possible to reach the officers and organizations who help them. Making caregivers aware of this newly launched resource is foremost.  Also, in the remote and rural areas, caregivers often have fewer options, so

we will be seeking out the smaller organizations that provide marvelous support in the community and bringing them to the site and therefore to the caregivers.  Finally, complex issues take time, and quick fixes are not always possible.  In the meantime, the site permits open airing of challenges and genuine efforts at helping caregivers. We aim for putting smart, caring people together to help caregivers navigate more smoothly through incredibly challenging times. Communication is key, and there are many options on the site, both public and private.

How many people do you reach? 

Since VeteranCaregiver is an online resource, the reach is limitless.

What are the biggest obstacles you face when trying to reach people?

The biggest obstacles are the usual for new resources:  spreading the word and consistent operational funding. 

How can our readers get involved? 

Your readers can help by sharing the site with those that need it the most, and by encouraging veterans organizations large and small to register on the site for two-way outreach with caregivers.

What message would you like to communicate to our readers?

 We will all likely experience the care giving role someday, but this particular group has served our country, and we are safer because of their service.  The Caregivers of these veterans have earned our respect and gratitude, and need and deserve support and thanks for their sacrifice.  Help us care – for those who care.