November is National Family Caregivers Month, an occasion the Department of Veterans Affairs Western Colorado Health Care System is celebrating through its Caregiver Support Program.
According to a VA Western Colorado press release, caregivers can be a crucial component of veteran well-being, providing routine care, managing medical needs and offering emotional support at any given time.
But, that responsibility carries a weight that can impact a caregiver’s health.
“… we believe resources that care for the whole caregiver, including their individual goals, are as critical as their support to injured and ill veterans,” said VA Western Colorado Caregiver Support Coordinator Sarah Minning. “Our Caregiver Support Program team is committed to helping caregivers live full lives by focusing on their whole well-being.”
VA Health Systems Research estimated there are approximately 5.5 million veteran caregivers nationwide, 70% of which care for their spouse or partner. The report added that those supporting their partner or spouse provide care for an average of 10 years.
The Caregiver Support Program consists of several one-on-one resources: skills training; peer support and counseling; mentoring; education; a local support team; and a hotline dedicated to supporting caregivers.
According to the press release, the regional support team empowers caregivers through assistance in navigating VA health care, understanding benefits and utilizing all available resources.
To connect with a caregiver support coordinator and learn more about the local program, call 970-263-5096.
Caregiver support groups are also held at the Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road, on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 9 to 10 a.m.
Support for non-veteran caregivers — such as education and training, service connections, counseling and respite care — is available through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which can be accessed through your local Area Agency on Aging.
Residents of Garfield, Mesa, Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties fall under the Northwest Colorado Agency. Their office can be reached at 970-248-2717.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of respiratory illness hospitalizations this season — from the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — is expected to be equivalent, if not less than the season prior.
But, the CDC added that much of that outlook hinges on residents obtaining their annual immunizations.
In fact, the CDC estimated that about 98,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations could be prevented if only 17% of adults 18 and older received the most current COVID-19 immunization.
If adult vaccination rates doubled from last season’s approximate 22%, the CDC calculated that about 227,000 hospitalizations could be prevented.
As of Nov. 9, the CDC found that approximately 18% of adults nationwide reported receiving the most updated COVID immunization. In Colorado, the CDC estimated that about 19% of its 18 and older residents have obtained an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, more than 30% of Colorado adults received an updated COVID-19 vaccine last season.
The CDC added that flu immunizations — and RSV vaccines for older or pregnant adults — are equally important to deterring infections and hospitalizations.
COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at several locations, including primary care clinics, retail pharmacies and the Mesa County Public Health Clinic.
Health Headlines is a Sentinel feature compiled by Jace DiCola, health and wellness reporter. Email him at jace.dicola@gjsentinel.com