Development and evaluation of supportive caregiver interventions has become a national priority. This study's aim was to evaluate how caregivers participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) use and value supportive services. Qualitative semi-structured interviews (N = 50 caregivers) were the core of a mixed-methods design, and surveys (N = 160) were supplemental. Caregivers who had used CSP services valued emotional, functional, and health care navigational support, calling support groups and the program coordinator their "lifeline." However, many described a lack of connection with the program-not knowing about or successfully engaging in program services-and needed more information about available resources. Caregivers in rural areas or caring for individuals with specific diseases reported needing tailored services to meet their unique needs. Policy makers and practitioners should proactively promote supportive services for caregivers. Future research should explore strategies for reducing barriers to accessing tailored support to meet the needs of a diverse caregiver population.

中文翻译：

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将照顾者与支持联系起来：从VA照顾者支持计划中学到的经验教训。

制定和评估支持性照料者干预措施已成为国家优先事项。这项研究的目的是评估参加退伍军人事务部（VA）的看护者支持计划（CSP）的看护者如何使用和重视支持服务。定性的半结构化访谈（N = 50个看护者）是混合方法设计的核心，调查（N = 160）是补充。使用过CSP服务的看护者重视情感，功能和医疗保健的导航支持，将支持小组和计划协调员称为“生命线”。但是，许多人描述了与程序之间缺乏联系-不了解或未成功参与程序服务-并且需要有关可用资源的更多信息。据报告，农村地区的照顾者或照顾有特定疾病的人需要量身定制的服务，以满足他们的独特需求。政策制定者和从业人员应积极促进对护理人员的支持服务。未来的研究应探索减少针对获得多样化照顾者需求的量身定制支持的障碍的策略。