Description:

If you’ve ever screamed into a pillow after calling the VA, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. Host Shaunté Newby, caregiver advocate and daughter of a veteran, breaks down the lesser-known VA benefits that can make a real difference for caregivers and their loved ones.

From hidden programs like Veteran Directed Care and HISA grants to eligibility quirks and advocacy tips, this episode helps you navigate the VA system with more clarity and less stress. Whether you’re caring for a veteran full-time or just starting the benefits process, you’ll walk away with practical insights, emotional validation, and a few laughs along the way.

What you’ll learn:

• What Aid & Attendance, CHAMPVA, and the VA Caregiver Stipend actually cover
• How to access underused benefits like respite care and travel reimbursement
• Why “primary caregiver” status matters—and how to claim it
• How to speak VA language and advocate effectively
• Where to find support (yes, there’s a hotline!)

Keywords: VA caregiver benefits, veteran support, Aid and Attendance, CHAMPVA, VA stipend, Veteran Directed Care, HISA grant, VA advocacy, caregiving podcast, navigating VA system, caregiver resources, veteran family support

Call to Action:

Know someone struggling with VA paperwork or feeling lost in the system? Share this episode. Got a VA win or horror story? Send it in—we’re building a community that gets it.

In this heartfelt episode of "The Caregiver's Lounge," Shaunté shares her reflections from a recent cruise, where caregiving moments appeared in unexpected places. From conversations with fellow travelers to personal observations, she explores the universal threads of love, responsibility, and the quiet strength it takes to care for others. Through her reflections, she emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers and the shared experiences that connect them, even in unexpected places.

Tune in to hear stories of connection and resilience, and be reminded that even on vacation, caregiving never truly takes a break.

• Caregiving
• Cruise reflections
• Personal stories
• Caregiver support
• Travel experiences
• Resilience in caregiving
• Connection and responsibility

Chapters

00:00 Reflections from the Sea: A Caregiver's Perspective

12:39 The Unseen Stories of Caregiving

13:05 Connecting Through Shared Experiences

What does it mean to care for someone you love when you’re not physically there? In this heartfelt episode, host Shaunté Newby shares her personal journey of caregiving from afar—driving between Northern Virginia and Hampton to support her father while juggling work, life, and emotional exhaustion.

Through honest storytelling and practical insight, Shaunté explores the guilt, grace, and grit it takes to show up for your loved one across the miles. Whether you're navigating long-distance caregiving yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation, strategies, and a reminder that love travels—even when you can't always be there.

Takeaways:

• Emotional truths of long-distance caregiving
• Tips for staying connected and organized from afar
• How to build support systems when you’re not local
• Why presence isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and spirit