I am caring for him at home but work as well. I"m finding it increasing difficult to attend to his needs (interact with him so he is not bored & help him eat & shower etc) & work from home. There is a day care program close by but too expensive - is there any financial help with this type of thing? I know it will only get worse. But I have to work or we'd be in even more trouble.
Thank you again
http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-2680-ARE.pdf
I'm assuming that you are aware of his Tri-Care for Life healthcare benefits. Best of luck. Hang in there.
Here are some links to help you:
1. Daphne, Alabama city offices (I didn't find any indication of a Veterans Services Depart for the city, but check for the county in which Daphne is located.
google/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Veterans+Department%2C+Alabama
2. Baldwin County Veterans' Services:
google/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Baldwin+County+Veterans+Services
3. Alabama State VA facllities:
google/?gws_rd=ssl#q=veterans+administration+alabama
google/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Veterans+Department%2C+Alabama
Here's how you can get started:
1. Service Connected status: Google VA for your county. If you have a VA office within your county government offices, contact them first; they'll prepare the paperwork and send it to one of the service organizations (American Legion, VFW) for processing.
If there's no VA office within your county facilities, Google VA for the surrounding areas to locate a VA facility as well as the American Legion and VFW, which are service organizations that assist in applications.
The County office is not part of the VA but interfaces with the service organizations. In Michigan there's also a state Veterans Affairs Department but I haven't had occasion to work with them; you might check out your state as well to see if there's any help there.
You'll need to bring your husband's DD214, insurance cards (Medicare, supplemental insurance, etc.) when you meet with any VA or Vets Affiairs staff.
We got assistance from our County's Veterans Affairs Dept. at the end of October; my father was qualified by the VA as having a service connected disability in May and received back compensation a few weeks later. .
2. Quick medical assistance: Locate the closest VA, contact them (you may need to speak first with the Eligibility Department), either prepare the form (1010EZ) or contact one of the service organizations to help. You will need to provide some information on last year's medical costs as well as income, so check beforehand to ensure you have all the data you need.
Given his situation, the VA may put a rush on it and qualify him for medical assistance quicker.
In our area there are a lot of Vets working at the VA and in the service organizations, and they're very helpful and anxious to get other Vets the assistance they need.
In the meantime, ask one of his treating physicians to write a script for home care; that will at least help with the showering and any medical treatment.
The Area Agency on Aging or your local community senior center can tell you if they participate in Meals on Wheels. I'm assuming your husband isn't able to get out and around much, or isn't driving regularly, so he should quality. In our area, my father gets a warm meal daily for lunch, extras before holidays and has the option for weekend meals if he chooses.
Your being at home may affect his eligibility, but I'm not sure. If you can get a home aide through a doctor's script, this person could help your husband eat.
Good luck. If you have any further questions, post again.
Good Luck!
Best of Luck!