National Family Caregivers Month

November was National Family Caregivers Month, and John J. Pershing VA Medical Center’s Caregiver Support Program and its participating caregivers were honored at their annual appreciation event by the attendance of Dr. Colleen M. Richardson, psychologist and executive director of the Caregiver Support Program.

“Caregivers are our hidden heroes,” remarked Dr. Richardson in her discussion with the caregivers at the virtual event. “Veterans often get thanked for their service, but the caregivers may not receive the appreciation they deserve for taking care of our Veterans.”

Dr. Richardson went on to express her deep commitment to caregivers of our military heroes. As the executive director of Caregiver Support for the VA, Dr. Richardson eloquently described the life of caregivers by using the illustration of a pie, with different pieces of their lives becoming the prominent piece at specific times based on each of the roles a caregiver may fill, be that the role of a mother, brother, employee, wife, etc.

A Veteran herself, Dr. Richardson shared some of her personal experiences, and expressed delight in the event’s focus on holiday cooking and healthy eating tips. “Be sure to take care of yourself!”, was one of her parting suggestions to the enthusiastic audience of caregivers.

Ms. Chandra Miller, MSN, RN, CNL, and acting medical center director of the John J Pershing VAMC was also with us to welcome the attendees. The presentation for VA’s Caregiver Appreciation Event was the “Holiday Kitchen,” featuring our brand-new Teaching Kitchen.

John J. Pershing’s own registered dietitian BriAnne Riggins prepared a scrumptious looking high protein Tofu Pumpkin Pudding, and peppered her conversation throughout the cooking demonstration with helpful tips to accommodate different diet restrictions, such as finding substitutions that would reduce fat, and selecting alternatives to sugar.

One of her many tips was a recipe for non-fat whipped dairy topping, made with non-fat evaporated milk, Splenda, and vanilla. “Be sure to chill the mixing bowl and mixer blades prior to whipping,” reminded Ms. Riggins, as she continued to make suggestions for lowering calories and fats while still enjoying all the delicious tastes of the holidays.

Another element of the celebration was a roundtable discussion about the national theme for the event this year, “ #Caregiver And.”

I, as moderator of the event, offered explanation and examples, inviting caregivers to share their “and” -- something other than “caregiver” that describes them, such as another close relationship, hobby, work, or passion. Examples from the caregivers included Caregiver And… equestrian counselor, and another, Caregiver And… one who crochets. The activity was completed with the suggestion that they all take time to acknowledge and celebrate their own Caregiver And… interests and commitments.

The final activity was awarding the door prizes; an especially fun part of the yearly celebration. The virtual “Wheel of Names” was spun by Paul Healy, Caregiver Support Program Assistant, and three prizes with a cooking theme were awarded; all items were produced by Pioneer Woman, including a set of silicone mini spatulas, a forged knife set, and a ten-piece non-stick cookware set. All enjoyed the excitement of the Wheel of Names.

At the close of the presentation, participant comments included, “It was wonderful!”, and “that was great!”, and another, who wrote, “I loved this program, good job everyone!!” A good time was had by all.

We hope our caregivers understood how much they are appreciated, and, during National Family Caregiver Month and this Thanksgiving, we joined with Dr. Richardson to say, “thank you for your service!”

Vicki Burns, MSW, LCSW, is in her 14th year with the John J Pershing VAMC, where she is the caregiver support coordinator for the Program of General Caregiver Services. Burns is the daughter and caregiver of a WWII Veteran, and the granddaughter of a WWI Veteran.