What is the one piece of advice you would offer to other military and veteran caregivers to help navigate their health journey?

Kristie Thibodeau — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 10:22:46 -0400

Are there certain resources you have used? VA or other? Specific activities that have helped reduce stress or organize life? Certain apps or websites that have provided aid?

Response by COL Dana Hampton made Apr 16 at 2019 11:02 AM

COL Dana Hampton — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 11:02:52 -0400

Look into the VA’s Aide and Attendance Program. It provides some financial assistance to certain war veterans who meet financial thresholds with about $2,300 a month for help with care.

I am working with my local VSO on a claim for my 87 year old Korean War veteran father now.

It’s a nice benefit and the vets do not how’ve to have previous VA disability rating to file a claim.

Response by SPC William Simmonds, Esq. made Apr 16 at 2019 12:08 PM

SPC William Simmonds, Esq. — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:08:47 -0400

Have a competent, compassionate, motivated resource help you get what you want accomplished and to give you the resources you need. We do everything so the Veteran doesn't have to, offering peace of mind, reduced stress, and an opportunity to focus on healing.

http://www.vahelp.claims

Veterans Law Attorney | Veterans Legal Advocates | United States

We're passionate about helping America's Veterans securethe disability benefits they deserve. Founded by a Veteran, former VA employee, and attorney, Veterans Legal Advocates provides real disability benefit advocacyservices to deserving Veterans across the United States.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 16 at 2019 3:13 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 15:13:22 -0400

Keep good records! Even when one isn't provided, MAKE one. Journal of appointments made, kept, and outcome can be INCREDIBLY helpful when trying to fight the system or when trying to piece together overarching trends.

Response by Patricia Overmeyer made Apr 16 at 2019 3:24 PM

Patricia Overmeyer — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 15:24:52 -0400

The physical and mental health of the caregiver is just as important, if not more so, than the military/veteran they are taking care of. The daily burden can not only sap your physical energy, but the emotional toll can be even worse. This is especially true if you are closely related to the military/veteran member. The emotional toll will ultimately affect your physical well being. It's okay to take time away for yourself. Our local VA has a Respite Program that provides free caregivers for a few hours or a day so that the caregiver can get away from the physical and mental stresses. There are also some respite programs that are available through other community resources. These should be used regularly by caregivers.

Response by SFC George Smith made Apr 16 at 2019 5:12 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 17:12:28 -0400

Maintain Certified copies of records and Xrays

Response by MSG Robert Conrad made Apr 16 at 2019 10:54 PM

MSG Robert Conrad — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 22:54:00 -0400

Stay engaged in your treatment. Be compliant.

Response by SFC Brian Gillum made Apr 18 at 2019 5:43 PM

SFC Brian Gillum — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 17:43:54 -0400

Be prepared for a laundry list of things you can expect dealing with the VA:
1) Not being the priority. While some VA facilities and most employees of the VA truly are there to help vets and their families, you will run into more than a few who do not get that without those vets they would not be working.
2) Hurry up; Wait. It is always recommended by the VA to be 15 minutes early to your scheduled appointment(s). They appear to have no obligation to see you within fifteen minutes of said appointment. And the more specialized the clinic/clinician the longer you may have to wait.
3) Any documentation they want, never ever give them an original or last copy. Scientists are more likely to find light escaping a black hole than the VA is of locating and returning a document you need.
4) Be prepared for good surprises. There are a lot of good folks working at the VA who will help as much as and as best as they can. Make sure you let them know they are appreciated. I’ve had the same primary care doc thru the VA for about a dozen years or so and she is excellent as is the team of nurses working with her.
5) Use the HealtheVet portal. It allows you to access your med records and can even be used to let any non-VA providers see stuff in that record if you provide the permissions. It also allows you to directly messsage your provider and check on upcoming appointments and such.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2019 12:45 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 00:45:08 -0400

Plan ahead for retirement and finances - and consider buying some supplemental health insurance to work with Medicare. USAA Savings Bank offers a very good plan, I can see some civilian providers so I have VA and civilian providers to choose from and hardly ever pay anything out of pocket except abour $140 a month for supplemental plan, and I am only partially disabled. Can use the best of what VA offers but go to civilians when the VA does not have a good option.
Be aware of what local veterans organizations do. Get involved with at least a few veterans.
If you are an investor interested in profiting more AAII offers tons of free advice (American Association of Individual Investors) if you join, and you can get lifetime membership at savings.
Checkout out for caregivers https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/category/caregivers/
Learn how to find you way around the VA website.

Caregivers Archives - VAntage Point

Posted on Friday, December 28, 2018 5:30 pmJanuary 2, 2019 Posted in Caregivers, Health, Mental Health, Vets Experience, VSO / Partners, Women Veterans by Luis Gutierrez 442 views

Response by SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra made May 31 at 2019 3:56 PM

SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra — Fri, 31 May 2019 15:56:27 -0400

I think self care as well as a support group are great tools. You have to take care of yourself when caring for others. Respite care is available in some cases and if you are lucky you may have friends or famiily who can pitch in to help.

Response by PO3 Rick Rettinger made Oct 2 at 2019 9:19 PM

PO3 Rick Rettinger — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 21:19:30 -0400

You are your **BEST* ADVOCATE when it comes to your health - When dealing with all of the red tape, and pitfalls of the VA System, make sure that you have someone in your corner. A service organization who knows the in's and out's of the VA. I was originally DENIED my benefits - I spent 4 years in, during the 80's, I didnt retire nor was I injured in the line of duty. So when I was denied, I was like, oh well, it is what it is. I met a National VP of the Paralyzed Veterans of American (Hack Albertson) by chance, and he told me that I was Category 4 Catastrophic, with FULL VA MEDICAL - without him and the PVA I would be one of the statistics we all hear about. A service organization like the PVA, VFW, American Legion, DAV etc can help you navigate the VA system. Dont try to work with the VA directly, let them do it for you. That is the best advice I can give anyone out there. Matter of fact, I received an Email from PVA National, saying about the changes in the Family caregiver program, the VA now required a National Provider Identification (NPI) for my wife to be paid for my care. ----

Response by Diane DiGiorgio made Oct 2 at 2019 9:40 PM

Diane DiGiorgio — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 21:40:01 -0400

The VA Adult Health Day Program has been a blessing! - for me and for my elderly father with Alzheimer's. Knowing he is in a safe, secure, loving place several times a week. Knowing he has 'friends' and staff whom he recognizes and can have a laugh with. Having people who know him - know what is his norm - is huge for me as a caregiver. It helps with affirmation, a second set of eyes/ears to assess needs and changes over time. And having others with whom I can share the day-day ups and downs - very comforting for me as caregiver. B/c of the memory issues - he can't provide history/symptoms nor remember doctor instructions, so I have to go to ALL doctor consults - but his being in the building where tests/labs can be done without me having to be there - means I can devout my time to the doctor consults.
And also having transportation provided by local Veterans agency.

Response by Diane DiGiorgio made Oct 2 at 2019 9:46 PM

Diane DiGiorgio — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 21:46:49 -0400

The VA Adult Day program is a blessing! - for me and for my elderly father w/ Alzheimer's. Knowing he is in a safe, secure, loving place a couple times week. Knowing he has 'friends' and staff whom he recognizes and can share a laugh. Having others who know him - know his baseline - is affirming - it helps to have a second set of eye's/ears to track needs and changes over time. Having others with whom to share day-day ups/downs is comfort to me as a caregiver. Being able to have labs/tests/routine matters done when he is there in the VA bldg. - thus saving my time for meeting with doctor. Having transportation by local Veterans agency. Thanks!

Response by Donna Griffis made Oct 2 at 2019 9:56 PM

Donna Griffis — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 21:56:16 -0400

when there is a life change to the veteran, ask the caregiver how they are. I am my husband's caregiver and recently our son killed himself and we were both heartbroken. 10 days after his death I took Bob to the VA Medical center in Wyoming Michigan. I told the intake person what happened. They informed his group of Drs and specialists we were seeing that day. When we went back into treatment area, everyone was all over Bob, hugging him and letting him know they were there for him. They all know I am his wife but not one person asked how I was doing. They need to be a little more sensitive to us caregiver on how we are doing. Sometimes taking care of the vets is a struggle for us too

Response by SGT Jess Loya made Oct 2 at 2019 11:03 PM

SGT Jess Loya — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 23:03:11 -0400

Patience!, Patience!, Patience!!! Rome was not built in one day or 2 weeks or 3 months. The VA is like a little Rome, with lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ behind it, the key is WAIT

Jess Loya
Fremont,CA

Response by Katharine Harrington made Oct 2 at 2019 11:41 PM

Katharine Harrington — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 23:41:21 -0400

I vote DOWN but this site eon't let me do it because I don't have 15000 points? I voted this way b/c I have tried for THREE years to get full pension w/aid &attendance for my brother, the veteran, and have been hindered with roadblocks all along tbe way. We really need these funds since the VA won't give my brother enough homemaker home health hours - so I will have to pay for someone to help me care for my brother. He's paralyzed, bedridden and meets ALL the criteria for A & A. It's one excuse after another, more hurdles for me to jump. The VA put erroneous info for his income yet the burden of proof is on me to correct their mistake. All the while, the pension and A & A is not distributed to him.

Response by Clora Ann Mozer made Oct 3 at 2019 12:52 AM

Clora Ann Mozer — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:52:20 -0400

Take care of yourself!! Just like inflight safety instructions...when the 02 masks drop, put YOURS on first. You cannot care for another person if you are not physically, mentally and Spiritually sound. Set aside time for yourself each week. Be it church, a manicure, massage or none errand window shopping. You need time to decompress and regroup.
Get yourself a good support group. One outside of online. In person so that you can get eye to eye contact with others. You can get better support that way and you feel less "on your own" navigating this whole adventure.
Look for resources. They won't come knocking on your door. Be willing to ask for and accept help. Be willing to fight for what you need for your loved one and for yourself.

Response by GySgt James Murphy made Oct 3 at 2019 12:58 AM

GySgt James Murphy — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:58:27 -0400

Use the Vet Center in your local community. I was referred to a therapist there and that is where I really began my journey to reintegrating to civilian life. Individual therapy, group therapy and even a group for my wife to attend.

Response by Sgt Donald Austin made Oct 3 at 2019 1:33 AM

Sgt Donald Austin — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 01:33:53 -0400

Always ask "WHAT'S NEXT?" Is there any thing else I should do? Any suggestions?

Response by Sherlyn Golbuff made Oct 3 at 2019 2:47 AM

Sherlyn Golbuff — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 02:47:16 -0400

Do not get discouraged or give up the fight. Our vets count on us to get them thru the tough times of dealing with doctors and insurance. We are in the Mission Act and it was not program that was tested for extreme health conditions. The stress of having to struggle every day with either VA or Tri West has made this a more stressful situation than it needs to be. Thanks to a VA doctor my husband's health has been let go for so long that he can't even be repaired now and lives in heart failure and stage 4 kidney failure. My job every day is fighting to have just one more day with him. I talk with the VA caregiver support line and have a transition nurse that was acquired after my husband's 2nd stay in the Corvallis Heart Hospital. I have to thank those 2 and Nicole and Dr. Fraser with the Samaritan Health Group and Corvallis Heart Group for doing what they can to keep my husband as healthy as possible.

Response by PO1 Michael Scott made Oct 3 at 2019 3:23 AM

PO1 Michael Scott — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 03:23:41 -0400

As a PDRL 100% housebound Veteran I can say your job is never done. As Caregiver or getting Care. So please allow me to give you a few words of advice.
General rule is to take care of yourself and always remember that no matter the frustration you both may have that it could be worse and always love/care for each other more than any other emotion. Brings a new meening to I love you more.

Caregiver aka Super Hero.
Take time for yourself
Be flexible
Never allow people to pity you and you never pity your warrior
Keep records of everything
Take pictures or videos of needed
If spouse caregiver that person you married Is still there inside them there is just a good bit of things mentally and physically that hides it.
If something bad can happen if you step out real quick then it usually does. It is not your fault. Shit happens.
Your warrior may be to pridful to take help, never stop trying to help.
Your warrior probly will have sucidial thoughts, depending on medical issues this may be natural as living with extream pain daily (my issues) I pray to either fall asleep or meet my maker. Just ensure there is no plans to carry out a Veteran 22 mission.
It is ok to cry
It is ok if you can not handle it, just ensure your warrior does have help.
Encourage your warrior to not use the word Caregiver. You may be one but that does not define you. You are also a person, maybe a husband or wife, a mother or father.
It is ok to say no at times.
Encourage hobbies for both of you.
Never treat your Warrior like a child.
Unplug often with each other.

For the Warrior
Life is not fair
There is a reason it was or was not you that parishes (life or medically). Just do your best to accept it and be thankful.
It can always be worse
If able help with medication and keep your other informed on taking meds.
Take your meds as prescribed
Always keep trying to be as independent as you can be.
If you can not cook then assist. If you cannot assist then thank the one that feeds you.
No medical issue is too embarrassing you can not tell your counterpart. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE.
Find a hobby. Indoor and outdoor.
It is ok to be sick or hurting, cry if you need to.
People are inconsiderate and will share, comment, or even try and take advantage of you.
Online shopping is addictive so get catalogues and circle things.
You can not do what you did before the incident. Accept it and do not over do it.
Chronic Pain never goes away, just try and get it to where you can function.

Talk about Will's, DNR's and life insurance.

In my situation my condition can not be cured. My life expectancy was shortened but unsure by how much and I refuse to waste time trying to figure it out. Live life to the fullest and not wrecklessly.

I have been Chronically ill for almost 7 years now. From perfectly healthy to now requiring assistance daily with ADL and IADL. From playing sports to needing a power wheelchair to go to the mailbox.

The last thing I will suggest is to find someone that speaks your language of life. Either caregiver or warrior the well wishes of I hope you feel better soon will get old and having that person that understands your struggles helps a lot.

On a final note Humor is amazing so in closing I will leave you with this.

As I feel for your situation and I have my own chaos to deal with.

Better you than me.

That was the best well wish I ever received from anyone as the I am sorry's got old.

Keep your head up and we warriors are caregivers / spouses / family have got to stick together.

Response by Cpl Mark Oresko made Oct 3 at 2019 4:40 AM

Cpl Mark Oresko — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 04:40:44 -0400

If your spouse is SC 100% wether, IU, T&P, or is awaiting a C&P claim to become SC at any of these ratings, try to apply for Medicaid as well as CHAMPVA for your children and the beneficiary. This way when staff decide to improperly conduct the VEAT examinations by segregating the participants for illegal individual examinations. This is exactly how they manage to manipulate the data that they document into the records. Also apply the veteran for Aid and Attendance, preferably get examined by a non VA provider. This will prevent a tremendous financial hardship when the VEAT carelessly lowers tier levels from 3 to 1 instantly changed and in affect the date of the letter. Lastly, have a different veteran who you know but is not in the caregiver support program, and have them submit a FOIA request for a hard copy of the local facilities training materials/Powerpoint used for training the designated VEAT on how to perform the eligibility examinations. VISN 20 & 21’s training manual contained all kinds of unethical, and unlawful protocols for conducting the eligibility examinations.

Response by Rennae Christman made Oct 3 at 2019 5:51 AM

Rennae Christman — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 05:51:45 -0400

I have joined a caregivers group on Facebook and there are no limits as to what a person can say. They are allowed to vent and let it all out. They find other caregivers and realize that the struggle is real and every day isn't perfect. We all go through many of the same challenges. Being able to talk about it helps tremendously. We are all good people and we all care for our loved one the best that we can. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaregiversHubSupportGroup/

Caregivers Hub Support Group

The main goal for the Caregivers Hub Support Group is to create a safe space for the brand new Caregiver to learn and be supported by the veteran Caregiver. ALL Caregivers are welcome here. Family...

Response by PO1 Michael Scott made Oct 3 at 2019 5:54 AM

PO1 Michael Scott — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 05:54:26 -0400

Carezone app
Saving documents to cloud storage
Phone tracking
Smart home devices
CCTV to look in on me if she goes to store
Journal
Voice notes
Pictures
Medical support groups
WWP Independence Program
Independence Find
Couples Art Therapy
Ittf app to send text at 9am to brief my wife on the nights problems rather than waking her for small trivial BS

Response by Sharon Sullivan made Oct 3 at 2019 6:38 AM

Sharon Sullivan — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 06:38:48 -0400

Learn how to use myhealth it is and excellent resource for staying in touch with the doctors and filling prescriptions. Also remember you are not alone and all you can do is your best as a caregiver because you are human too.

Response by Tod Sherman made Oct 3 at 2019 8:39 AM

Tod Sherman — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 08:39:41 -0400

I teach/ practice daily kundalini yoga for stress, anxiety and PTSD. I recommend for everyone , not only for military and first responders to use mindfulness techniques.

Response by Ginger Palumbo made Oct 3 at 2019 9:18 AM

Ginger Palumbo — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 09:18:29 -0400

1)Not to sound morbid, but get the burial benefit arranged for the vet. They dont have to be buried in VA cemeteries--there might be other cemeteries is your state that the VA uses.
2)Submit the vet's income info to Eligibility to determine what your co-pay for any type of service will be: Rx's, dr visits, in-home therapies, prosthetics or Durable Medical Equipment (DME) etc.
3)As a caregiver get your name listed as the next-of-kin, get a POA signed & notarized if possible to submit to the VA so you can freely speak to all VA personnel.
4)Get involved with the Caregiver Support office at your local VA Med Center. There should be periodic meetings that are accessible via conference call if you cannot attend personally. Information is shared at these meetings that you might find valuable/helpful.
5)My attitude is "If it's free & will help my veteran, I'll try it/apply for it!" Having this attitude has gotten my dad: VA Pension $, Aid & Attendance $, travel pay $, exemption from all co-pays, free respite care for the primary caregiver (my mom), free in-home modifications, a free stair climber, a free rollator, free medical supplies, free OTC vitamins, free prescriptions. We are in process of getting a grant for small renovations to his bathroom ($6K max).

Response by PO3 Roy Martinsen made Oct 3 at 2019 10:36 AM

PO3 Roy Martinsen — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 10:36:44 -0400

V A,

Response by PO3 Roy Martinsen made Oct 3 at 2019 10:37 AM

PO3 Roy Martinsen — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 10:37:44 -0400

V A health care

Response by Katharine Harrington made Oct 3 at 2019 11:49 AM

Katharine Harrington — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 11:49:06 -0400

Savannah, GA

Response by SSG Steve Belschner made Oct 3 at 2019 12:46 PM

SSG Steve Belschner — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 12:46:07 -0400

don't give up keep plugging along

Response by PV2 Albert Graves made Oct 3 at 2019 12:54 PM

PV2 Albert Graves — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 12:54:45 -0400

help up up and push wheelchair

Response by SGT Duane Johnson made Oct 3 at 2019 2:10 PM

SGT Duane Johnson — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 14:10:36 -0400

Signup at VA

Response by CPL Michael E. R. made Oct 6 at 2019 2:32 AM

CPL Michael E. R. — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 02:32:39 -0400

I do not know if I qualify for your group. I am the vet/caregiver/guardian to my niece/ward who was born with cerebral palsey and who cannot walk. when my sister passed and then my mother , followed by my step father 54 days later. I had to step up. My mantra for the last 5 years has been every day its getting better. Don't let the legality's and the system stand in your way . Don't be afraid to ask for help. remember , all of us have an off day. If that happens , call someone. If you don't have anyone. call me. you will be squared away in no time .
Mike Rediker
[login to see]

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Oct 6 at 2019 5:26 AM

SPC Nancy Greene — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 05:26:48 -0400

RALLY POINT!!!
Congressional aides, OIG, VISN, and the White House VA hotline! Search the va.gov website for forms. They have a form for EVERYTHING and you can print it out with instructions for completion. VISN is REQUIRED to respond to you within 48 business hours! They actually comply with this requirement!

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Oct 6 at 2019 8:25 AM

1SG Steven Imerman — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 08:25:30 -0400

My wife and I went the Tr-Care route because the nearest VA was 90 minutes away at the time. Tri-Care was good to us, not too much out of pocket,and we ended up with a fantastic doctor in private practice. She's been our doctor for 12 years now, and we never see anyone else, which is very nice, personally, and very efficient as she knows our histories quite well by now. We live about 100 minutes drive from Ft Leonard Wood, so we have the doc write our scripts for 90 days, and fill them at Ft Leonard Wood 4 times a year. The FLW pharmacy carries a fuller variety of items than the VA pharmacy in our area. Free insulin for my wife more than pays for the gas to drive up there, and we get to hit the commissary and stock up on meats and other things.

Last year they opened a VA about 2 miles from our house. I went in and had an evaluation and a long talk with a doctor. She told me there was no good reason she could give me to switch over, and if we were happy with our doctor we should stick with her. And we have.

This is just what happened to us, hope this helps you in your decision making. God bless.

Response by Nancy Madsen made Oct 8 at 2019 9:56 AM

Nancy Madsen — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 09:56:25 -0400

Seek out your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the caregiver support program they administer under the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) as well as many other resources including nutrition/meals, in-home services, options counseling, and more. You can find your local AAA by visiting: http://www.eldercare.acl.gov

Eldercare Locator

Welcome to the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families. You can also reach us at 1-800-677-1116.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2019 11:22 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 11:22:05 -0400

We are all ways in a hard spot no matter what, but look forward there are other who are way off than your self. example: people living on the streets, 3rd world countries. be reminded you may not have everything but you do have is Family, Friends and loved ones always around.

Response by PO3 John Fahrer made Oct 11 at 2019 9:21 AM

PO3 John Fahrer — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 09:21:44 -0400

Be prepared to find VA workers that are supposed to know a specific thing, that you have been they know, and they know nothing about the need you have. Be prepared for misinformation, as things constantly change at the VA. Be patient and polite, anger will get you no where. Don't be afraid to go to the patient advocate as they generally do know where to direct you Don't get in a hurry as you are dealing with government workers, and the have many vets they are helping before you got there. Being respectful, kind andand saying you appreciate the help will get you what you need so much faster. Say something nice to older vets many are lonely and nobody or seldom does anyone speak to them.
Treat others as you want to be treated and this will advance your requests maybe a little faster. A bad attitude gets bad results every time!

Response by SrA Gina Hotard made Dec 9 at 2019 1:26 AM

SrA Gina Hotard — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 01:26:33 -0500

If a veteran is in hospice, there is a program (free) that will send another veteran to sit with that person to talk, play cards, movies, read and the like.