Pass the RESPECT Act
Recommendation
Congress should pass the RESPECT Act, which would modernize the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) at the Department of Veterans Affairs, improving access to mental health services for veterans and their caregivers.[1][2]
Background/summary
An estimated 5.5 million family caregivers provide personal care to U.S. veterans[3] who have sustained or aggravated a serious injury or illness in active armed forces service[4] and cannot perform daily activities.[5] The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) promotes the health and well-being of these individuals[6] through its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, which offers them enhanced clinical support, services, and benefits.[5] These services and benefits may include stipends, health insurance coverage, respite care, and mental health counseling.[4] The VA receives approximately 8,000 PCAFC applications a month.[7] Caregiver supportive services improve outcomes by reducing caregiver burden and mental distress.[8][9] To expand the accessibility and capacity of mental health support and resources available to family caregivers of veterans, Congress should pass legislation to improve the well-being of these caregivers.
citations
1. Sen. Jerry Moran. Sen. Moran Introduces Legislation to Improve Veteran Caregivers Program (Press Release). Last Updated February 1, 2023.
2. Reinforcing Enhanced Support through Promoting Equity for Caregivers Today (RESPECT) Act of 2023. S. 216 (Moran-Coons), 118th Congress (2023-2024). Last Updated February 1, 2023.
3. Rajeev Ramchand et al. Hidden Heroes: America’s Military Caregivers. RAND Corporation. Last Updated 2014.
4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Caregiver Support Program: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Last Updated July 16, 2023.
5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers: Eligibility Criteria Fact Sheet. Last Updated October 2022.
6. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA Caregiver Support Program. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
7. Military Officers Association of America. Progress Continues as VA Revamps its Caregiver Program. Last Updated March 29, 2023.
8. Megan E. Shepherd-Banigan, PhD, MPH et al. Interventions to Support Caregivers of Families of Patients with TBI, PTSD, or Polytrauma: A Systematic Review U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research and Development Service. Last Updated February 2018.
9. Edward A. Dyer et al. Mobile Applications and Internet-based Approaches for Supporting Non-professional Caregivers: A Systematic Review. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Health Services Research and Development Service. Last Updated November 2012.