VA St. Louis Healthcare System
|
Volunteer Caregiver Support Program The volunteer caregiver support program pairs a veteran and their primary caregiver—usually their spouse—with a volunteer in their local community. The volunteer visits the homebound veteran once or twice a week for a few hours, providing socialization and friendly companionship. They interact with the a veteran by playing games, working on craft projects, listening to music, reading aloud, watching movies and many other activities depending on the veteran’s condition. Caregiver support volunteers are a vital part of a network of family, friends, social service and health professionals who provide comfort and assistance to homebound veterans. Through this program, volunteers provide a much needed break for the caregiver so they can renew their energy and spirit while providing compassionate support to ill and injured veterans in their homes. The volunteer caregiver support program’s ultimate goal is to provide veterans a high quality of life by allowing them to stay at home with their family as long as possible. In doing this, everyone involved—veteran, caregiver and volunteer—get so much more out of the program than they ever thought possible. In addition to completing the volunteer application* process, caregiver support volunteers are also required to complete caregiver support training. For information on how you can become a caregiver support volunteer, print our brochure* and return the attached screening form, or contact John Farrell at: John Cochran Hospital |
