Caregiving can often feel like a jigsaw puzzle as you piece together support from various sources for your loved ones. Often overlooked by the families of eligible servicemen and women, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many benefits for veterans and their informal caregivers. Although it can be a complicated system to navigate, there are ways to maximize a loved one’s available caregiving support through the VA – starting with these four.
Eldercare Resources the VA Offers
But first, so you don’t get lost in the bureaucratic shuffle, it’s essential to know what programs and services are available to eligible veterans and their caregivers.
VA eldercare resources include the following:
VA Caregiver Support Hotline
You can start your search by calling 855-260-3274. The operator will connect you with a support coordinator who can then assist you in locating the closest VA medical center and caregiving services.
Aid and Attendance (A&A) Program
If your loved one meets the VA’s eligibility requirements, they may qualify for financial assistance to pay for long-term care.
Health and Caregiver Services
If eligible, your loved one may be entitled to receive healthcare benefits that include in-home or telehealth primary care, hospice care, adult day care, personal care, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, mental health care, respite care, and more.
4 Tips While Working with the VA
Here are four steps you can take as a caregiver to ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve:
Be patient and respectful
The VA system can be complicated, which means you may not get the help you need right away. So many veterans need help that VA employees – from call center reps to healthcare professionals – are often overworked. Practicing patience and being respectful while interacting with VA representatives will more likely result in a positive experience once they’ve had time to review your loved one’s caregiving needs.
Document all interactions
Because the system is so massive, one VA office may be unaware of what another office has or hasn’t done. It often takes multiple phone calls to find the assistance you need. Be sure to take detailed notes about every conversation and appointment so that you can follow up and keep the process moving forward rather than starting from scratch each time.
Ask what services are available
As you become more familiar with the VA system, additional benefits and services will typically be revealed. For instance, a social worker may know about counseling services or a nurse about incontinence supplies that the VA will pay for, while your loved one’s doctor may not. Keep asking the right people the right questions, and you may be surprised as to what benefits your loved one is eligible to receive – ultimately making your life easier as a primary caregiver.
Positivity and persistence pay off
And finally, don’t ever give up when dealing with the VA. Being the “squeaky wheel” will help you eventually navigate all the red tape so your loved one can receive the assistance they need. If you encounter a “roadblock” or two, don’t be afraid to try again later. In addition to being persistent, staying positive throughout the entire process will also show your loved one how much they’re loved and how much you appreciate their service to keep us all safe!
You can access additional information about VA eldercare benefits and eligibility requirements by clicking here now.
Proudly Serving Veterans and Their Families in Lexington, MA
Finding a VA-approved home care provider to look after your aging loved one can be challenging. At Assisting Hands Home Care, our professional in-home senior care services allow clients in Lexington, Bedford, and the greater Boston Northwest area to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes – including US military veterans. Our trained, dependable caregivers and personal assistants can help your family overcome its eldercare challenges while making your loved one’s home an even better place to be.
Our turnkey home care services include everything from companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation to light housekeeping, laundry, and personal care assistance with bathing and dressing. Our customized in-home solutions have covered your family from a few hours a day to around-the-clock care. Click here to learn more about Assisting Hands Home Care or schedule a free consultation for a senior in Lexington, Bedford, and surrounding communities in Northwest Boston.
