Volunteer Caregiver Support Program

The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) and the Office of Care Coordination (OCC) has joined together to form the Caregiver Support Network.

The Volunteer Caregiver Support Program prepares volunteers to effectively assist primary caregivers of Veterans. As part of this network, the Volunteer Caregiver Support Program is one way VAVS is supporting the needs of Veterans and their families in an ever changing health care environment.

As a Caregiver Support Program Volunteer you will be 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, you will provide a much needed break for the caregiver so they can renew their energy and spirit. In addition, volunteers provide compassionate support to ill and injured Veterans in their homes.

Volunteer Caregiver Support Assignments

Caregiver Support Volunteers visit homebound Veterans once or twice a week for a few hours; providing socialization and friendly companionship. A Caregiver Support Volunteer may:

Assist with reality orientation/ awareness
Engage in conversation
Encourage exercise
Play games/ cards
Work on craft projects
Foster Veteran contact with family and friends
Assist with letter writing
Read newspapers or books
Listen to music
Watch movies
Listen to lifetime memories and reminiscing

How To Become A Caregiver Support Volunteer

Complete the interview process
Provide two positive references
Attend volunteer orientation
Complete fingerprinting check. Approval and clearance is mandatory.
Have Tuberculin (TB) test administered
Complete a six-hour classroom training and ten hours of visiting with Veterans in a supervsied setting
Be in good general health and free of communicable disease
Participate in one-on-one training specialized to the needs of the Veteran patient
Be Reliable
Be Flexible
Provide own transportation
Make a one year commitment to the program