If you’ve ever tried navigating the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), you know there’s no shortage of acronyms! PCAFC, ADLs, SPIs, VFAI, CEAT… OH MY! It can feel like learning an entirely new language. And when you’re already juggling the responsibilities of caring for a wounded Veteran, deciphering the alphabet soup
PCAFC, ADL, SPI, OH MY! A Caregiver’s Guide to VA Acronyms Read More »
If you’re navigating the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), you’ve likely heard the terms Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Supervision, Protection, and Instruction (SPI). While both are used to determine a Veteran’s level of need, they represent different types of support. What are ADLs?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are basic
ADLs vs SPI in VA PCAFC: Key Differences Explained Read More »
For more than a decade, family caregivers participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) have provided life-sustaining care to some of our nation’s most seriously wounded, ill, and injured veterans. Many of these caregivers leave the workforce entirely to provide full-time support at home, often saving the
Letter Asking the Committee on Ways and Means to Waive HR 2148 Read More »
Navigating the PCAFC Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide Applying for the VA Caregiver Support Program, specifically the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), can feel overwhelming. Understanding the evaluation process ahead of time can help you avoid common pitfalls and present the most accurate picture of your caregiving role. Here is a clear
Navigating the PCAFC Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide Read More »
What Is a FIM Score and Why Does It Matter for Caregivers? If you are helping your Veteran qualify for PCAFC based on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), a FIM score can play an important role. The Functional Independence Measure, or FIM, is used to assess the level of assistance a person needs to complete
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Supporting Financial Relief for Family Caregivers Family caregivers provide essential support that allows millions of older adults and people with health needs to remain in their homes and communities. Yet this care often comes with significant financial strain. On average, family caregivers spend more than $7,200 out of pocket each year, or about 26 percent
Letter to Congress: Lowering the Costs for Caregivers Act Read More »
How to Correct Errors in Your VA Medical Records Your VA medical records matter. They affect your treatment, disability claims, and overall care. If you notice an error in your records, it is important to address it quickly and correctly. Important: What a “Correction” Really Means When a VA medical record is corrected, the
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Veteran family caregivers need your voice right now The Veteran Caregiver Re-education, Re-employment, and Retirement Act (H.R. 2148) is scheduled for a markup hearing on February 12, 2026. This is a critical moment, and lawmakers need to hear from us before February 12 at 9:00 a.m. EST. A quick phone call or message can make
Advocate for Veteran 3R Read More »
Why Keeping a Caregiver Journal Matters for PCAFC If you’re applying for the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), one of the most important tools you can have is a caregiver journal. It’s not busywork—and it’s not about writing perfectly. It’s about capturing the real work you do every day so it
Why Keeping a Caregiver Journal Matters for PCAFC Read More »
Why do we focus on caregivers? It’s a question we hear often, and it’s one we love to answer! Here are our top 3 reasons
Why We Focus on Caregivers Read More »
Quality of Life Foundation leads the PCAFC work group of organizations. Within that PCAFC work group, a smaller group of organizations met with VA leadership in March 2025 to request the Legacy extension. Today, Quality of Life Foundation and six other PCAFC work group member organizations sent the letter below to Secretary Collins, asking to
PCAFC Extension Work Group Letter to Secretary of the VA Read More »
Read the Testimony Chairmen Casey and Tester, Ranking Members Braun and Moran, and Committee Members, my name is Andrea Sawyer, and I am the Advocacy Director for the Quality of Life Foundation (QoLF), a national non-profit organization founded in 2008 to address the unmet needs ofcaregivers, children, and family members of wounded, ill, or injured
Caregiving is a journey of at least two people— the caregiver and the care receiver. It’s not a race to the finish. There are detours, diversions, and sometimes roadblocks. Sometimes your journey is a straight, flat four lane highway with light traffic and sunny skies; other times your journey is a winding one lane mountain
A Road Less Traveled Read More »
Read the Testimony “HONORING OUR COMMITMENT: IMPROVING VA’S PROGRAM OF COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS” STATEMENT OF ANDREA SAWYER, DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY FOR QUALITY OF LIFE FOUNDATION’S WOUNDED VETERAN FAMILY CARE PROGRAM, BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON VETERAN’S AFFAIRS UNITED STATES SENATE Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, my name is Andrea Sawyer, and I
QoLF Testimony US Senate Committee on Veteran’s Affairs Read More »