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VA CARES QUERI Partnered Evaluation

The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163) enacted two landmark programs to ensure training, services and assistance for family caregivers of Veterans throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and services.

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) provides support for both the Veteran and the family caregiver through a number of supports including a monthly stipend if eligible, access to health care if not already covered under a health insurance plan, education and training, travel, respite care, and caregiver mental health services.  The PCAFC aims to reduce strain for caregivers by providing supports to those who care for Veterans who need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or supervision or protection support because of the residual effects of a serious injury/injuries sustained during, or exacerbated by, line of duty service on or after September 11, 2001.

The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (The General Program) enhances support and services for family caregivers through training and education.  Services and supports are provided to any identified family caregiver, regardless of Veteran’s service connection, era of service, or identified need for a caregiver’s support and assistance.

Given the size and reach of these programs, combined with the costs associated, return on investment is of immediate interest to the National Caregiver Support Program (CSP) and its stakeholders.  It is critical to understand how the assistance provided by the CSP, including caregiver training, stipends, and other services (e.g., health insurance, mental health care) has affected caregivers’ well-being, including financial and/or emotional strain, and health.  Understanding how the CSP impacts Veterans’ health and economic outcomes is also critical.  Additionally, it is vital to understand what caregivers regard as the most useful CSP services offered.

Through the VA Caregiver Support Program Partnered Evaluation Center, a series of evaluation aims were established to investigate the CSP impact on overall caregiver/Veteran well-being:

Aim 1a  

Assess the impact of PCAFC on Veteran health care utilization

Aim 1b 

Assess the impact on 3-year Veteran health care costs

Aim 2a

Provide a snapshot of PCAFC participant characteristics and factors associated with well-being

Aim 2b

Assess the impact of PCAFC on participant well-being 

Aim 3a

Assess the use and value of CSP to PCAFC participants

Aim 3b

Assess the use and value of CSP to participants of the General Program

Aim 4

Provide a synthesis of highest value components of CSP

Aim 5               

Conduct formative evaluation of the Comprehensive Program application process to identify areas for improving consistency across VA
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