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VA Caregiver Conference Held in Washington this Week

by Jennifer Hoops
August 03, 2011

The 2011 National Caregiver Support Conference, "Caring for Those Who Care for Our Veterans," began this week in Washington D.C. and will run through Aug. 4. The conference is part of a caregiver support program the VA is implementing following passage of legislation that provides benefits to family caregivers of eligible Post 9/11 Veterans. Signed by the President in May 2010, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 has created benefits for veteran caregivers in the form of a new caregiver website, monthly stipends and health insurance.

Caregiver support ensures veterans receive top-quality care

The conference kicked off with a keynote address from Dr. Robert Petzel, Department of Veterans Affairs Under Secretary for Health. In his address, Petzel talked about the importance of family caregivers as "full partners with VA who help to ensure that veterans receive the top-quality care they have earned." He explained that support for caregivers is essential and that "expanded services will support family caregivers, improve their self-care, provide training and help them connect with each other for support and encouragement."

To learn more about the conference or caregiver support, refer to the press release "VA Kicks Off National Caregiver Support Conference."

About the Author

Jennifer Hoops works as a project manager within the IT organization of a global manufacturing company. Her previous experience includes IT consulting and software sales. Prior to earning an MBA and becoming an IT professional, Jennifer earned a Bachelors degree in Economics and Music and spent several years as an independent music teacher.

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