## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) - [Veterans & Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/veterans) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Finding Care](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care) - [Veterans & Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/veterans) # Caring for a Veteran with Parkinson's ## 💡 Quick Summary - Care partners for [veterans](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/veterans "Veterans & Parkinson's") with Parkinson’s can access support from the Parkinson’s Foundation and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including guides, education and programs. - VA resources like the Caregiver Support Line, caregiver coordinators and family caregiver programs offer guidance, benefits, information and community support. - Care partners should know the signs of [depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") and how to plan for possible hospitalizations. ![Married couple; one is a caregiver](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/caringforaveteran.jpg?itok=cPPDGX58) Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disease, meaning that it changes over time. As a [care partner](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners"), your involvement will also change along the way. While the Parkinson’s Foundation has care partner [resources](/resources-support/carepartners/resources "Care Partner Resources") and information, when your loved one with Parkinson’s is a veteran, you may also have access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources that can provide assistance. ### Parkinson’s Foundation Care Partner Resources As a care partner, you do not have to face this disease alone. Parkinson’s Foundation resources are always available to help you: - [Caring and Coping](/library/books/caring-coping "Caring & Coping: A Care Partner’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease"): a guide created for care partners for a loved one with Parkinson’s. - [Parkinson.org/Carepartners](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners"): from [Care Partner Resources](/resources-support/carepartners/resources "Care Partner Resources") to [Caring for You](/resources-support/carepartners/caring-for-self "Caring for the Care Partner") and [Preparing for Changes](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health/relationship-changes "Dealing with Relationship Changes"), these articles provide helpful advice for every stage. - [Newly Diagnosed Guide](/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons "New to Parkinson's"): designed to help your loved one get started on their journey to living well with Parkinson's. - [PD Conversations](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/): Join our online community and connect with others in the [care partner discussion group](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/topic/0TO3b000000kU5ZGAU/caregiving). ### VA Care Partner Resources The VA offers resources specifically created for care partners: - **VA Caregiver Support Line**: Call 1-855-260-3274. If you are new to the VA, this is a great first step to learn more about the support that is available to you. [Visit the VA webpage: VA Caregiver Support](https://www.caregiver.va.gov/index.asp). - **Caregiver Support Coordinators**: located in each VA medical center, coordinators can help you learn more about available VA programs and services. Find your local coordinator using the [VA webpage: Caregiver Support Coordinators](https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp). - **VA Caregiver Support Program**: free online workshop for caregivers and advice from others who care for Veterans. Find more caregiver program options on the [VA webpage: Connect with Others](https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Connect_Others.asp). - **VA Caregiver Summer Article**: [I’m Caring for a Veteran with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) - What Do I Need to Know?](https://www.caregiver.va.gov/pdfs/FamilyCaregiversGuideToParkinsons.pdf) - **VA webpage**: [Parkinson’s Disease Research Education and Clinical Center, For Veterans and Families](https://www.parkinsons.va.gov/patients.asp) - **VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers:** Eligibility for this program has expanded. To learn more about this program and to see if you are eligible please visit [caregiver.va.gov](https://www.caregiver.va.gov/). **For more information on the different VA benefit programs and care options for your loved one, visit the** [VA website](https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-elderly.asp)**.** ### Know the Signs of Depression [Depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") is a [non-movement symptom](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms") of Parkinson’s, along with [anxiety](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/anxiety "Anxiety") and [apathy](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/apathy "Apathy"), and can be a side effect of Parkinson’s medication. Know the symptoms of depression for both you and your loved one. Do not delay in seeking support or professional counseling. Talk to your doctor, depression is often treatable. Keep contact information for a psychiatrist/therapist, **Parkinson's Foundation Helpline** 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) and the **Veterans Crisis Line** (dial 988, then press 1 or text 838255) and other emergency phone numbers nearby. **Learn more about** [non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms")**.** ### Be Prepared for a Hospitalization Every person living with Parkinson’s should be prepared for a possible hospitalization ― whether planned or unplanned. Hospitalization can be especially stressful for a veteran with PD and caregivers. Often, care partners become the care advocate, ensuring your loved one receives their medication on time. Contact the veteran’s movement disorder specialist or treating neurologist to make them aware of the hospitalization and ask him/her to contact the hospital neurologist to discuss the treatment plan. **We recommend filling out the** [**Parkinson’s Foundation Medication Form**](/sites/default/files/documents/medication-form-fillable-2025.pdf "medication-form-fillable-2025.pdf") **― save it and print it for easy access.** #### Hospital Safety Guide The guide is filled with useful tools and information to help a person with Parkinson’s navigate a hospital stay. [Download Materials](/resources-support/hospital-safety-guide) ![Viewing the Hospital Safety Guide on a tablet](/sites/default/files/styles/298x194/public/images/Hospital-Safety-Guide-2025-float.png?h=5193ff8a&itok=aEoaIR-b) ### Get Answers to Your Parkinson’s Questions Call the Parkinson's Foundation [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions. Helpline specialists can provide you with current disease information, medical issues including symptoms and treatments and referrals to health professionals and community resources for local support. ## Related Materials Books ### [ Caring & Coping: A Care Partner’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/books/caring-coping) [Read Now](/library/books/caring-coping) Fact Sheets ### [ Coping Skills for Care Partners ](/library/fact-sheets/coping-care-partners) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/coping-care-partners) Videos & Webinars ### [ Understanding PD & Mental Health in the Veteran Community ](/library/videos/veterans-mental-health) [Watch Now](/library/videos/veterans-mental-health) ### Resources for Veterans The Parkinson’s Foundation has free, available resources for veterans with Parkinson’s and those who love them. [Learn More](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/veterans) ### Share Your Story Are you a veteran and have a Parkinson's experience that you would like to share? Our community would love to hear from you! [SUBMIT YOUR STORY](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn