Plans to extend aid to caregivers of retired servicemembers affected by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been recently announced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The application process for stipends, mental health aid and health insurance for caregivers of veterans has been opened.  Many of the people who provide care for veterans injured in the wars in the Middle East are unpaid family members.  

VA Secretary General Eric Shinseki said, “We at VA know that every day is a challenge for our most seriously injured veterans and their family caregivers.” Shinseki went on to say, “I know many veterans and their family caregivers have been waiting anxiously for this day and I urge them to get their applications in as soon as possible so they can receive the additional support they have earned.”

Included in the support offered by the federal organization is training and education programs for caregivers that may help improve the care provided for veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries and blindness. Additionally, caregivers can join support groups focused on the ups and downs of caring for former servicemembers with war-connected debilitations.  The groups are intended to provide caregivers with empathetic advice from other caregivers like them who have experienced high-stress situations.  How to manage stress and get through tough circumstances as a veteran caregiver is likely an advantage of attending these support groups.

The veterans benefits offered by the VA are numerous. The addition of caregiver benefits ultimately helps veterans affected by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan receive better care.  The VA urges caregivers of former servicemembers, families and veterans to inquire about these programs, as many are not advertised.