Atlas Research and Easter Seals have been selected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and administer its new National Veteran Caregiver Training Program (NVCTP). Mandated by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, the NVCTP will be a central component of the VA's Caregiver Support Program to provide comprehensive support and benefits to Veterans and their family caregivers. Through this contract, the team will deliver comprehensive training to caregivers of Veterans across the country through classroom sessions, self-study instruction, and a web-based learning management system. Key features of the National Veteran Caregiver Training Program include:
- Comprehensive, multi-modal (classroom, web-based, and DVD/workbook) training for caregivers of Veterans;
- Training in a wide range of critical caregiving topics, including self-care, obtaining benefits and support, behavior management, pain management, nutrition and wellness, and more;
- Classroom training delivered by licensed professionals across 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) nationwide;
- Program and curriculum development that includes Veterans and caregivers, caregiving experts, and experienced educators; and
- A national team with expertise in Veterans services, supporting people with disabilities, caregiving, health care delivery, rural America, Hispanic culture and language, and the unique health care needs of women.
Atlas and Easter Seals are joined by three of the country's leading caregiving organizations: the National Alliance on Caregiving, the National Family Caregiver Association, and the Family Caregiver Alliance. Each of these partners will assist in the development of innovative caregiving curricula and bringing the caregiver voice to the project. Additionally, the team will partner with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health to adapt the curricula into Spanish and address needs specific to Hispanic Veterans and their caregivers.
“The work associated with this project is incredibly important not only to VA, but also to the Veterans, family members, and caregivers who support them,” said Hilda Heady, Atlas Research Senior Vice President. “The outcome of this training will enable VA to empower caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to improve the health of Veterans in the long-term.”
“Atlas Research is the perfect partner for this caregiver training initiative for several reasons. We are a company of Veterans, family members, and friends deeply committed to serving Veterans,” said Ryung Suh, MD, Atlas Research CEO. “This work speaks to the heart of what we do – of why our company exists.”