Canary Health Fortifies Partnership with the VA with Online Support for Veterans in Time for National Family Caregivers Month

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Nov 01, 2017, 08:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In time for National Caregiver month this November, Canary Health and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) announce their continued partnership, extending their commitment to Veterans and their Caregivers of all eras. The Veterans Health Administration is America's largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,243 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,063 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year https://www.va.gov/health/. The Building Better Caregivers online workshop is available at no cost to all Caregivers who support Veterans that receive their healthcare through the VA.

Building Better Caregivers (BBC) is a 6-week online self-management workshop that supports families caring for Veterans with dementia, memory problems, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder or other serious injuries or illnesses. A workshop of 25-30 Caregivers gather each week at their convenience to review lessons, share ideas, receive group support and access tools that make caregiving easier – all in an anonymous environment. Developed at Stanford University's Patient Education Center, the program has been recognized for its ability to reduce Caregiver stress and depression, and increase productivity among working Caregivers.

The partnership underscores Canary Health's work with Caregivers, validating that self-management is the key to improved health outcomes for both the Caregiver and their Care Partner. Adam Kaufman, CEO Canary Health, reflects on how this program aligns with the company's suite of health self-management programs. "It's an honor to partner with the VA in supporting our Veterans who have made incredible sacrifices for our country. Our continued commitment to Caregivers of Veterans demonstrates the positive impact self-management has on their own well-being, as well as that of their Care Partners."

Building Better Caregivers complements VA's other Caregiver Support services, including monthly Caregiver support phone calls. "VA recognizes the challenges caregivers face every day and is committed to providing access to the support they need to care for our nation's Veterans," said Meg Kabat, National Director, Caregiver Support Program. "Since the roll out of Building Better Caregivers in 2013, VA has referred more than 8,500 caregivers to this free workshop. We are pleased to be able to offer this extra level of high quality services that is dedicated to building better caregivers."

Caregivers of Veterans or Veterans who serve as Caregivers and are interested in participating in Building Better Caregivers should contact their local Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC), available at every VA Medical Center. Caregivers can learn more about the Building Better Caregivers and locate their CSC by visiting https://va.buildingbettercaregivers.org/

About Canary Health

Canary Health is the leading provider of proven digital health self-management and behavior change programs. Our mission is to empower people with the tools, coaching and community support to self-manage their health. We work with the largest healthcare organizations in North America offering programs proven to slow the progression of chronic conditions, enhance quality of life, improve health outcomes, and lower the cost of care.

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Carrie Pittman
1-310-4440636
[email protected]

SOURCE Canary Health