The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) is celebrating National Family Caregivers Month this November, highlighting the theme “The Year of the Caregiver: Honoring the Whole Caregiver.” This annual observance serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions made by family caregivers and the essential role they play in the well-being of Veterans.
Throughout the month of November, the OVAHCS is dedicated to honoring and supporting family caregivers. The Orlando VA also held a Central Florida Drive-thru and Resource Fair
on November 7th at the Orlando VA Medical Center on 13800 Veterans Way:
“We recognize that caregivers often selflessly provide physical, emotional, and logistical support to their loved ones who have served our Nation,” said Christene Suarez, OVAHCS Caregiver Support Program Coordinator. “This support network is the backbone of Veterans’ care and deserves our utmost respect and appreciation.”
The “Year of the Caregiver” theme underscores the holistic approach to caregiving. Caregivers must not only focus on the well-being of the Veterans they serve but also prioritize their own physical and emotional health. The OVAHCS is committed to providing resources and assistance to ensure that caregivers receive the support they need, not just during November but year-round.
“Our family caregivers are the unsung heroes of our healthcare system,” said Timothy J. Cooke, OVAHCS Director/CEO. “They are dedicated, selfless, and provide unwavering support to Veterans. We are proud to celebrate and support them this National Family Caregivers Month.”
Throughout November, the OVAHCS will host a series of events, workshops, and activities dedicated to educating, recognizing, and supporting family caregivers. These initiatives will cover a range of topics, including stress management, self-care, and navigating the healthcare system. The goal is to empower caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to continue their essential work.
The following OVAHCS Caregiver Support program events in Central Florida are available for caregivers who are enrolled in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers or with the Program of General Caregiver Support Services:
- Caregiver Art Exhibit
Monday – Friday during November
from 8:00am – 4:00pm
Lake Baldwin VA Outpatient Clinic
5201 Raymond Street, Orlando
Building 500, 4th floor, Room 405 - Caregiver Get Together
November 14thfrom 10:30am – 12:30pm
Tavares Community Based Outpatient Clinic
1390 East Burleigh Blvd
Tavares, FL
(see registration details below) -
CPR Training Class
November 27th
from 10:00am – 1:00pm
Lake Baldwin VA Outpatient Clinic
5201 Raymond Street
Orlando, FL (Room TBA)
(see registration details below) -
Resource Fair/Caregiver Celebration
November 29th
from 9:30am – 11:30am
Lake Baldwin VA Outpatient Clinic
5201 Raymond Street, Orlando
(see registration details below) -
Effective Communication Strategies for Dementia
December 5th
from 11:00am – 12:00pm
Virtual Class/link will be sent upon registration
(see registration details below)
Event organizers ask that all registration requests be emailed to Michelle Harper or Catherine Dunlap. Please include your full name, the last 4 digits of your social security number, and your mailing address.
As part of the month-long observance, the OVAHCS encourages the community to participate in honoring family caregivers. Whether it’s through social media recognition, community events, or personal gestures of gratitude, everyone can contribute to showing appreciation for these dedicated individuals.
For more information about OVAHCS’ Caregiver Support Program, please visit: Caregiver Support | VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs.
