Summer 2014 Issue

CIC Milestone: 3 Years as a National Program

MEET A SITE: Our Philadelphia Call Responders, Training Director Tanya Hess, PhD (seated far left) and National Director Steven Sayers, PhD (standing far right).

Coaching Into Care (CIC) is a free and confidential VA helpline that is celebrating three years as a national program this June.  CIC helps callers discover new ways to talk with a Veteran about their concerns and about treatment options. Our mission is to educate, support and empower family members and friends who are seeking care or services for a Veteran.  Our goal is to help them encourage distressed Veterans to access VA care successfully anywhere in the United States.

CIC began as a pilot program at the Philadelphia VAMC and at the Durham VAMC in January 2010.  In June 2011, it expanded to become a national program with the addition of the Los Angeles, CA site, which is located at the West L.A. VAMC.  Hours expanded to our current coverage of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

CIC has grown to help a total of about 7,000 callers, with about 3,000 this past year alone.  Callers may receive assistance over the course of one or several phone calls, sometimes spanning several months. 

Anyone concerned about a Veteran may call Coaching Into Care.  There are no eligibility requirements, and we work with all populations and eras of service.  Occasionally, Veterans will call us directly and they are assisted or referred to appropriate services.  When necessary, CIC call responders warm transfer calls to other call centers, including the Veteran’s Crisis Line and Caregiver Support Line.

Since we launched our quarterly newsletter last April, we have increased our subscribers to over 7,000.  Thank you!  Each issue highlights the work we’re doing on behalf of Veterans and their loved ones and includes Coaching Tips and other resources of value for anyone working with Veterans and their families.  Please use the links below to view past issues.

Spring 2013 

Summer 2013 

Fall 2013 

Winter 2014

Spring 2014

The following is based on a real case that illustrates the work CIC does. All identifying information has been changed.

Nancy and Joe called about their son Randy, a Navy Veteran, who recently began drinking on the weekends. They suspected he was drinking because of PTSD and the stress of a recent layoff from his job. A CIC Call Responder helped them think of ways to discuss what they had noticed with their son and how to let him know that they were there for him. Information about substance abuse treatment and the point of contact at their local VA were also provided.

After a few follow up calls, Nancy and Joe were able to discuss their son’s drinking with him and had gotten in touch with the substance abuse coordinator at the VA. Even though his son wasn’t ready, the father decided to lead by example, as he was a Veteran who had struggled with PTSD himself. Joe made an appointment with the mental health clinic for himself which then inspired Randy to do the same.

With the support of his parents, Randy was able to connect to the resources he needed to address his current concerns. He obtained a new job and stopped drinking. His parents continue to work with their CIC responder to make sure their son follows through with treatment and maintains the gains he has made.

When a Veteran you know needs help, reach out to us.  Call 888-823-7458 M-F 8AM-8PM Eastern.

How to Work Together as a Family

• Give the Veteran space. If things are getting heated, step away and let everyone cool down.
• Keep it simple. Try working one problem at a time. Take baby steps so things don’t get overwhelming.
• Go out and play. So often we forget to play when we are under stress or having problems. This is a way to be together without the fight. Relax…Breathe…Be.
• Change (or temporarily lower) expectations. Things may not be the way they used to be. Veterans and families under stress may not be able to work on the same level as before. Expectations may need to be adjusted.
• Don’t personalize behaviors. It’s not about you.
• It does not have to be pretty, or perfect, if it works.
• Patience, patience and more patience.
• Structure the environment for success. For example, if forgetting things, put up a community white board or note pad.  Losing things? Put a basket by the door.  Trouble going out in public?  Anticipate the need, go early and scope it out.  

You have received this message because you are subscribed to US Department of Veterans Affairs. Access your Subscriber Preferences to make changes to your subscription or Unsubscribe. Get this as a forward? Sign up to receive updates from Veterans Health. Have questions or problems? Please contact support@govdelivery.com for assistance.