Spread This News About Benefits for Veterans and Caregivers

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The small town of Brewster lies in farm country in south-western Minnesota. On a recent trip we discovered a veteran’s memorial that will match any large city display. It includes a replica of the Twin Towers commemorating 9/11, a statue honoring the empty combat boot, names of many soldiers, and more. This display is moving, worth the stop if you are traveling on I-90 across southern Minnesota. An appropriate inspiration as we approach Veteran’s Day.

Veteran’s Day it is a suitable time to learn about veteran’s benefits provided by the U.S. government. In partnership with Alzheimer’s Speaks and the Dementia Map, I did a deep dive into utilizing veteran’s benefits. Take time to listen to the interview between Lori La Bey and me at this link: Caregivers: Helping your Veteran Access Benefits – Alzheimer’s Speaks , and read the corresponding article here: Veterans Benefits for Caregivers – A Deeper Dive • Dementia Map

In today’s article I highlight three of the lesser-known benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA) for veterans and their caregivers.

Applying for Veteran Caregiver Programs

The VA has two specific programs for caregivers. Like any government program there are specific requirements, and it can take time to gather the information needed to apply. For the caregiver programs, the caregiver applies either on the VA website, or by printing out and mailing the appropriate forms. Applying can take time and persistence, but help is available, and it may be well worth the effort.

The first form needed for any type of veteran benefit is the veteran’s DD Form 214, also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If you cannot find the release papers, request records here. In addition, the veteran must be enrolled in VA healthcare. Make sure to study the specific requirements for each program.

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

This comprehensive program is for caregivers at least 18 years of age and older. The caregiver must be related to the veteran or be willing to live full time with the veteran as their caregiver.

PCAFC includes care and assistance to support these parts of the veteran’s life:

Health and well-being
Everyday personal needs (like feeding, bathing, and dressing)
Safety, protection, or instruction in their daily living environment

Eligible primary and secondary family caregivers can receive these benefits:

Caregiver education and training
Mental health counseling
Travel, lodging, and financial assistance when traveling with the veteran to receive care

Financial benefits are available for caregivers of eligible veterans with severe injury in the line of duty. Benefits include financial stipends, potential access to health insurance, mental health services, and respite care.

Program of General Caregiver Support Services PGCSS

This program for caregivers incorporates important training and support for caregivers. These “general caregivers” do not need to be a relative or live with the veteran. Support includes:

Videos for skill training
Mobile, email, and web support
Support groups, individual coaching
Peer support
Respite care

The VA is anxious to help caregivers. Call the VA National Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 where a Caregiver Support Coordinator will assist you.

Home Modification Program

Could your home use modifications to help your veteran live safely and comfortably? While researching veterans’ benefits, I found this grant program on the AARP Website. The Home Modification program is underused; there is currently more than $150 million available each year, yet less than half of eligible veterans take advantage of this program. These grants are based on disability, not income. These modifications can also be helpful to caregivers by decreasing their worry about falls or injuries.

There is a nice summary and downloadable booklet about the Home Modification Program at the AARP Website.

Find Help

There are many other benefit programs for our veterans of all ages. VA.Gov is the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of veteran benefit information. While extensive, it is easily searchable.

In addition, on Va.Gov, there is a link where you can find a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO.) When I applied for VA benefits for my dad, I found the local VSO at our county more than willing to help me persevere through the requirements.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all veterans for their service to our country. It is my hope that local government officials, social service organizations, and family members of veterans will take the time to research and share these benefits. It is the least we can do for our heroes.

Nancy R Poland, Grace’s Message

With grace and hope, Nancy Poland provides written and spoken communication on caregiving, loss, and other valuable topics. She owns what she calls a “micro-business” named “Grace’s Message,” however she has many years of experience in the business world.

In December 2022, Nancy retired from NMDP (previously National Marrow Donor Program/Be The Match) after nearly 28 years of employment. She most recently worked as a Contracts and Compliance Manager and spent over 18 years in management as a people-leader. Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts in social work and a Master of Arts in Health and Human Services Administration. She has authored two books on caregiving, issues a quarterly newsletter, and offers both in-person and virtual presentations.

A life-long resident of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Nancy and her husband John raised two sons and continue to contribute to their communities, travel, and work on solving British detective shows.

As a working caregiver, Nancy encountered dilemmas such as the following, with no good choices.

The phone rings, an ambulance is bringing her mom to the hospital (again). Does Nancy stay at work for the rest of the training session, or should she race to meet the ambulance and mom at the hospital?
Dad is in the care home, in the later stages of dementia. The only day they schedule monthly family conferences is Thursday, no later than 2:30. Should Nancy take a half day off work, leave work and come back, or dial in, and miss out on a face-to-face conversation.

Working caregivers struggle with job obligations, caring for their loved one, and often other family responsibilities. The one they are caring for may be a child with special needs, an aging relative, or an unexpectedly injured spouse. None of us know when we will be called upon to care for another, and trying to balance each facet of life can be a recipe for disaster. When a caregiver has a crisis, it affects not only the ones involved, but also the company.

Studies show caregivers often have increased absenteeism or reduced performance while at work. They often need to cut down work hours or quit. As this is especially true for caregivers of older adults with significant care needs, for this talk I will focus on ways companies and caregivers can partner together to address the ever-increasing needs of caregivers for our aging population.

Website: https://nancyrpoland.com

Connect with Nancy Poland on social media:

Twitter (now X): https://twitter.com/nancypoland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyrpoland

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-poland-a4632632/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancypoland/

Books by Nancy Poland:

1. Remarkable Caregiving:

https://nancyrpoland.com/remarkable-caregiving/

2. Dancing with Lewy-

https://nancyrpoland.com/dancing-with-lewy-2/