Important Veteran Newsletter, November 2021 Edition

Wilmington VA Medical Center Update
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Tele Urgent Care

Veterans receiving health care at VA medical centers throughout VISN 4 can now obtain care with the ease of a video chat or phone call. VISN 4 Tele Urgent Care uses VA Video Connect to conduct appointments privately and securely in a virtual medical room from anywhere using the camera on your smart phone, computer, or tablet.

Tele Urgent


COVID-19 Information 

VaxWVAMC

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VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SERVICES TEAM

The VIST program provides comprehensive case management to visually impaired and blind Veterans to ensure they have equitable access to low vision services and blind rehabilitation. Veterans with low vision have sight loss that cannot be corrected with conventional lenses and their sight loss impairs their daily functioning.

Blind rehabilitation includes assessment, low vision exam, and blind skills training using low vision devices, which can be provided on an outpatient or inpatient basis. The VIST Coordinator will make the necessary referrals based on the Veteran’s unique needs. The goal of the VIST program is to improve Veteran’s visual functioning and maximize their independence to accomplish their identified goals.


If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to contact me via phone, e-mail. 

                    VIST Coordinator Contact - Susan Barton, LCSW, Blind Rehabilitation Specialist

                                        Sue.barton@va.gov : 302-994-2511 Ext. 4733


Radio Show

http://www.987thecoast.com

Radio Show


November is National Family Caregiver Month!

As a special consideration, we are releasing this early pre-edition of the November Caregiver Support Program newsletter to keep you informed about all the wonderful offerings we have for you with National Family Caregiver Month.

 

The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) theme for this year is… #CaregiverAnd This is in honor of acknowledging the multitudes of roles that you operate in beyond being a Caregiver, the varied passions and interests you have, the backgrounds and experiences you bring to what you do and so much more of what makes you… well, YOU!  We are ore than one facet of ourselves and we want to take the time to make space for all the spaces we take up.  Whether it is as a spouse, worker, parent, crafter, sibling, sport enthusiast, friend, traveler, grandparent, tv/movie aficionado, child, and more, we want you to take stock in all the things that make you, well, you and celebrate them! For more information about the theme and CAN, please visit their website at: https://www.caregiveraction.org/caregiverand

 

 

Caregiver Support Group Wilmington VA Caregiver Support Group provides an open and safe space for Caregivers to connect with each other to work through successes and challenges. Dial 1-872-701-0185 to participate  in our call-in support groups use the accompanying codes for the following dates:

                                                                                     11/2 at 1PM: 928 695 398#

                                                                                     11/9 at 1PM: 928 695 398#

                                                                                     11/16 at 1PM: 928 695 398#

                                                                                     11/23 at 1PM: 928 695 398#

                                                                                     11/30 at 1PM: 928 695 398#

Education: Monday Meditations

from VA CSP Central Office

 

15 minute meditations

at 12PM and 7PM

Every Monday in November

Monday November 1st

Monday November 8th

Monday November 15th

Monday November 22nd

Monday November 29th

 

Call 1-800-767-1750 Access code 00149

                                                                                    No registration required 


Upcoming Caregiver Support Programs

Mindfulness Meditation Wilmington VA Caregiver Support Program

with Program Director, Tracy Pearson, MSW, MSM, LCSW, CCM on Microsoft Teams

 

Monday November 1st at 5:00 PM– 6:00PM

OR

Thursday November 18th at 10:00 AM– 11:00AM

This workshop is an introduction to mindfulness practice for a discussion and practice of basic concepts and fundamental skills such as sitting meditation. Appropriate for all levels of skill and experience.  Please bring a raisin, grape, popcorn, or other small snack for a demonstration during this presentation. Register by calling (302) 994-2511 ext. 4764

Managing Stress (Caregiver Self-Care Course)

with VA Caregiver Support Program Central Office in collaboration with Wilkes-Barre CSP on Microsoft Teams

Monday November 15th at 10AM – 12PM Would you like to learn how to deal with daily stressors you are facing?  There are tools, strategies, and techniques that can help you manage the stress in your life.  Caregivers of Veterans who receive care from VA and Veterans caring for another are eligible to attend. Particpants will receive a Managing Stress Workbook and a CD with Relaxation Exercises to follow along with the presentation. 

 

See flyer for more information!

 

Register by calling (302) 994-2511 ext. 4764

 

Caregivers of Wounded, Ill, and Injured Service Members and Veterans with the American Red Cross

on Zoom Wednesday November 10th

at 10:30AM – 12PM

Please join this virtual workshop to focus on YOU

the Military and Veteran Caregivers! Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/november-10th-caregivers-of-wounded-ill-and-injured-tickets-190549908907

Truths about Palliative Care (… and Hospice!) with Shayne Lemon from Heartland/ProMedica

on Microsoft Teams Wednesday November 17th at 2:00PM – 3:00PM

Want to hear more about the facts when it comes to what palliative care has to offer?  Have you heard some information about hospice and are concerned about what it might be or mean?  Check out this presentation about the truths about palliative care as well as hospice care to learn more about what is right for you and/or your loved one! Register by calling (302) 994-2511 ext. 4764

Healthy Living For Your Brain & Body: Tips from the Latest Research

with The Alzheimer’s Association – Delaware Valley Chapter

on Zoom

Friday December 3rd at 10AM – 11AM

 

Science is able to provide insights into how to optimize our physical and cognitive health as we age. Learn from the Alzheimer's Association on this live zoom session about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

 

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/HLBBVA

 

Caring for the Caregiver with Cyndy Fanning, MSW, LCSW of ChristianaCare Swank Memory Center for Memory Care & Geriatric Consultation *THURSDAY* December 9th at 2:00PM – 3:00PM

Explore types of caregivers, barriers and tips to successful caregiving as well as managing stress! Register by calling (302) 994-2511 ext. 4764


Veterans Affairs Holiday Programs

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Wilmington Medical Center is gearing up for our Holiday Gift Giving Programs for Veterans and families who are in need. The Holiday Season is fast approaching, and we are reaching out to our community partners for help!  

This year, Voluntary Service is again coordinating the Thanksgiving Grocery Card and Holiday Angel Tree programs for Veterans needing assistance. The holiday programs are designed to provide in-kind gifts to assist Veterans and their families who are in crisis resulting from medical issues, unemployment, homelessness, medical issues, or other difficult circumstances who otherwise would not have the resources to celebrate the holidays.

Thanksgiving Grocery Cards: Voluntary Services is soliciting donations of $25 gift cards to local grocery stores to help supplement food for Veterans during Thanksgiving. Cards can be purchased from Shop Rite, Walmart, Food Lion, Acme, exc. Cards need to be received by Voluntary Service no later than October 22, 2021, so they can be distributed to Veterans for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Voluntary Services will also accept checks made to Wilmington VA Medical Center, GPF 9056.  

                                          Cards or Checks can be mailed to: 

                                              Wilmington VA Medical Center

                                              ATTN: Voluntary Services #135

                                                      1601 Kirkwood Hwy

                                                     Wilmington, De  19807

Holiday Angel Tree Program: The Holiday Angel Tree program is to help Veterans and their families who would otherwise be unable to celebrate the holiday gift giving season.

Voluntary Services compiles a list of Veterans and families with their “wishes.” The list will be available for employees, Veteran Service Organizations, and Corporate Sponsors to adopt a family or Veteran to purchase gifts. From previous years, one fun gift and one practical gift is suggested; the range of gifts should be around $25 each. We ask our VA Social Workers when completing applications, to include a “specific gift suggestions” that will help identify the gifts requested by the Veteran or family.

The list for Veterans to be adopted will be ready by Nov. 12, 2021. If your organization would like to adopt a family, please email Mildred.McCarty@va.gov for details. Gifts to be returned to the Wilmington VA Medical Center, wrapped, and labeled to be distributed to the Veteran and their family no later than December 13, 2021.

If your organization would like additional information about either program, please email James.Coty@va.gov. We sincerely hope that you can participate in this great giving program!


CLC Amazon Wish List

CLC Holiday 

  


Stay Informed, Follow Our Social Media Channels

Follow Wilmington VA Medical Center on our social media channels @WilmingtonVAMC on FacebookTwitter and Instagram

Visit our new website at www.va.gov/wilmington-health-care.

Learn about the VA Health Chat app to get easy online access to chat with VA staff when you have minor health questions.