New on-demand course offers enhanced support and training for Veteran caregivers

PsychArmor, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to offer Respite for Military and Veteran Caregivers

San Diego, CA – PsychArmor announces the launch of a new course funded by the USAA Foundation: Respite for Military and Veteran Caregivers.  Respite–a short period of rest or release–is an essential part of maintaining balance and wellness throughout caregiving. “This course aims to empower and equip caregivers with the knowledge and resources needed to to prioritize their own health and well-being and increase opportunities for joy throughout their caregiving journey,” says PsychArmor’s  Vice President of Learning, Implementation, and Evaluation, Jenna Pryor. 

Offered in three bite-sized video lessons, the course was created in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program. What is Respite defines and identifies the use of different forms of respite, while Exploring Respite Within Your Caregiving Journey discusses the benefits of respite for both caregivers and their loved ones. Putting Together a Respite Plan offers resources and ideas, including the use of the VA’s Caregiver Respite Tool to create a personalized plan. The course is narrated by personnel from the Veteran Administration’s General Caregiver Support Program. Additional content includes personal caregiver stories presented using continuous line animation. Respite for Military and Veteran Caregivers is now available online and free to individual learners. 

PsychArmor collaborated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program and caregiver community organizations to create this course as an update to three original courses in its School for Military Veteran Caregivers and Families, an extensive learning library of online training courses. Funded by the The USAA Foundation, this program improves the quality of life for caregivers of injured, ill or wounded Veterans and service members by providing educational resources and supportive services to these “hidden heroes” and organizations that provide direct service to them.  Launched in 2016, the School currently includes 45 training courses. More than 85,000 learners have completed over 231,524 caregiver training courses since its inception, with 96% of the caregiver learners reporting that they implemented positive changes in their behavior as a result of the training.

The course was launched in coordination with a live Conversations with Caregivers event funded by the USAA Foundation. Revitalizing Caregivers: The Power of Respite, a virtual conversation was hosted by Trisha Chadduck of the Veterans Health Administration's Caregiver Support Program, Shawn Moore of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and caregiver and PsychArmor Trusted Advisor, Shaina Purser.   The recorded event is available online at psycharmor.org. 

PsychArmor is a leading national nonprofit and preferred training provider which specializes in military cultural awareness and competency. Its offerings include online courses, curricula, podcasts, webinars, live speaking engagements, and social media.

 “The continued support of The USAA Foundation for our caregiver portfolio has allowed us to ensure that our resources are updated and reflective of new research and innovative ideas ,” says PsychArmor CEO Dr. Tina Atherall. “Our school for military Veterans and caregivers has been one of our most successful programs, reaching more than 85,000 individual learners since its inception in 2016 .”

About The USAA Foundation

The USAA Foundation recognizes that our nation’s military members, Veterans and their families have unique challenges due to their service and sacrifice. The Foundation supports programs that positively impact their lives and contribute to their overall health, well being and resiliency. 

About PsychArmor 

PsychArmor is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation providing education and support  to individuals and organizations that work with, live with, and care for American service  members, Veterans, and their families.  For more information about PsychArmor, contact Carole Turner, Strategic Communications,  PsychArmor, at cturner@psycharmor.org. 

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