During a recent government meeting, caregivers of veterans shared their challenges and advocated for improved support systems. Vanessa Chisholm, a caregiver enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) since 2012, highlighted the difficulties faced by approximately 14,000 legacy participants like herself. Despite assessments indicating her husband’s need for continuous care, he was discharged from the program, leaving families vulnerable and uncertain about their futures.

Chisholm detailed her struggles in accessing respite care, despite being eligible. She noted that while she received respite care once through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, repeated requests at various VA facilities were met with unavailability of providers. Her children have stepped in as caregivers, showcasing the emotional and physical toll caregiving takes on families. She emphasized the need for better support structures to enable caregivers to provide the best care possible.

Troy Broussard, the state director of AARP Kentucky, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of family caregivers who often face overwhelming responsibilities. He reported that caregivers spend an average of 26% of their income on caregiving, with those caring for veterans incurring even higher costs. Broussard called for bipartisan legislation to provide tax credits for caregivers and reduce bureaucratic hurdles in accessing care.

Captain Bridal, representing the Wounded Warrior Project, underscored the importance of caregivers in the lives of veterans, noting their contributions to programs that support veterans with severe injuries. He advocated for the Elizabeth Dole Act, which aims to improve access to home and community-based services and provide mental health support for caregivers.

The meeting concluded with a call for immediate legislative action to address the needs of caregivers, including the passage of HR 8371, which aims to grandfather current PCAFC participants and expand treatment options within the Veterans Health Administration. The testimonies highlighted a pressing need for systemic changes to ensure that caregivers receive the support they deserve, allowing them to continue their vital roles in the lives of veterans.