July 11,

Background There are over 23 million Veterans in the U.S. Approx. 7 million Vets enrolled (33%) Veterans are accessing community resources Veterans and their families have unique needs: PTSD Caregiver Respite Homelessness Benefits Geriatrics Etc…

What is a Veteran-Community Partnership (VCP)? VCPs are partnerships through which local VA facilities connect with state and local community service agencies in an effort to: –Enhance and improve access to and quality of care –Promote seamless transitions –Educate community agencies & VA providers –Support caregivers –Develop and foster strong relationships between VA and community agencies and providers

VA Community Based Programs Community Residential Care Home Based Primary Care Home Respite Hospice and Palliative Care Medical Foster Home Purchased Home Health Care Community Adult Day Health Care Homemaker/Home Health Aide Skilled Home Care Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services Caregiver Support 4

Formalized Partnership An alliance among individuals, agencies, or groups, That cooperate in joint action, each in their own self-interest, Joining forces together for a common cause and mutual benefit of all those involved.

Veteran-Community Partnerships “Serving those who served for us” Vision All Veterans and their caregivers will have access to, and choices among, the services that allow our Veterans to stay in the place they call home. Mission To foster Veterans seamless access to, and transitions among, the full continuum of non-institutional extended care and support services in VA and the community.

Conception SOTA Conference (2008) Caregiving issues identified as #1 concern Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) strategic plan Ken Shay Hospice-Veteran Partnerships Diane Jones VCP Pilot Sites Sarah Hyduke New Contract with NHPCO Gwynn Sullivan

Veteran & Family VA Community Services Access to VA services Access to services VCP VCP Framework

VCP Principles Person Centered Increase Access Create Choice Provide best care Mutual support

Disabled American Veterans National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization National Alliance for Caregiving Administration on Aging VA Care Management and Social Work Service National Association for Area Agencies on Aging American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging VHA Geriatrics and Extended Care VHA Nursing VCP National Steering Committee

VCP Pilot Site Locations VCP Pilot Site Locations Battle Creek, MI Albany, NY Bedford, MA

Who is involved?

Activities of VCPs: Conduct assessments to determine the unique needs of Veterans within communities Exchange information between VA and community agencies in an effort to keep both informed of local and VA resources, strengths, and potential growth areas Educate community agencies about specific veteran-related issues and benefits Conduct community outreach educational programs for veterans groups/community agencies to provide information on the VA continuum of care, available resources, and options Hold statewide educational events for both community and VA stakeholders to provide information on the continuum of care options and VA healthcare system Create educational tools that partners can access for the most current and complete information on resources for veterans, in VA and in the community… And more…

Benefits of VCP “VCP activities have opened doors to building stronger relationships with community agencies.” “VCP has provided education to community agencies that was unknown prior – including myths re: enrollment & eligibility.” “VCP is key to a strong foundation for ongoing collaboration, trust and mutual respect.”

What ‘s Next? “Pilot” phase moving on to National Initiative Focus on Sustainability Resource development Web access to VCP info & tools VISN-wide VCP trainings Site specific follow up / technical assistance National networking

What can you do? What can you do? INCREASE AWARENESS about Veterans and their needs ASSESS what are you/your organization/your community are doing to serve and care for Veterans TALK with Veterans and their families about their needs INCLUDE Veteran issues with your outreach and education opportunities INFORM others about VCP opportunity FOLLOW UP re: VCP training & assistance

For Further Information: Contact Gwynn Sullivan - Ken Shay - We Honor Veterans national campaign WeHonorVeterans.org

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead