The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have announced the expansion of Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers, an emergency fund of no-cost, short-term respite care for veteran caregivers struggling under COVID-19.
“The lack of affordable, convenient professional respite care takes a significant toll on the emotional and physical well-being of these hidden heroes and the limitations created by the COVID-19 pandemic have further reduced their respite options,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
CareLinx, a nationwide professional home care network, helped launch the fund with the donation of $1 million worth of services. Wounded Warrior Project recently contributed an additional $1 million to increase the number of available care hours, leading to a national expansion.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation expects to provide 75,000 hours of care to more than 3,000 veteran caregivers.
“Caregivers charged with caring for our nation’s veterans face new challenges during the pandemic,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “They are becoming increasingly isolated without their pre-pandemic support, and are hindered from getting reliable outside help.”
The program offers qualifying veteran caregivers approximately 24-hours of respite care or assistance for their veteran from a qualified in-home care professional in CareLinx’s network. The provided care professionals can perform tasks such as mobility assistance, transportation, bathing, and other activities of daily living as well as other needs including companionship, grocery shopping, and cooking.
"Caregivers are the reason many of our nation’s most seriously wounded, ill, and injured warriors can live independently at home," said WWP CEO retired Army Lt. Gen. Mike Linnington.
Pandemic fallout, military sexual trauma and toxic exposure major concerns for wounded warriors