I, am a veteran and live 120 from the nearest V.A. Hospital. There is a local V,A. clinic that I use. I do have veterans choice. My Nurse Practitioner recommended a colonoscopy.
I was sent the prep medicine from the Memphis V.A. And an appointment was was made at a hospital about 20 miles from where I live. When the appointment day came ,I was driven to the hospital and had the procedure. No problem.
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we never heard anymore from Ruth Anne, did we? seems like that type thing happens often, but here I am back after 2 yrs., seems a year ago hub's uncle was diagnosed with Parkinson's, so maybe he's actually had that rather than vascular dementia or maybe it's caused the Parkinson's, as someone on another group said more and more evidence of that being the case; anyway now 3, almost 4 yrs. after being told by home PT that he did have then, not to go outside because of falling, he had a "good day" couple weeks ago and did exactly that, still not sure if aunt saw him or not, and fell and this time broke his collarbone and 5 ribs, pain so bad he went to hospital and was admitted; yesterday he went to rehab for pt again, will see how it goes, home pt stopped theirs saying he was not improveable but that was at home so will see how he does at rehab and if and if so, what then re coming home
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We have just begun this program and it is WONDERFUL. The staff has all been very professional, caring, and informative. So thankful for this blessing.
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We have just begun participating in this program and it is WONDERFUL. So very thankful.
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Their are Many benefits avail. for veterans . I am amazed how many vets have no idea . Go here -- https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage. All vets and families MUST check out!
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actually today it seems they've upped the distance limit to 40 miles but it seems they're putting more emphasis on the turnaround appointment time, which is a nothing in our case because we never make appointments anyway; they do that and they never schedule them more than 30 days out anyway, which seemed to upset them; hope don't cause a problem; they were going to call the clinic to find out what that was about; just thought that was a new way of doing things but maybe they're wanting to go back to the way it was before, in a way, but then would definitely be more than 30 days out, unless they want everybody seen every month?
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From what I understand, there are two criteria: distance and turnaround time for the appointment in question. If you cannot get an appointment with the VA for 30 days or more, you're eligible to use Vet's Choice.
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but at least you had the choice, since you are over the 35 mile limit - they're telling us/them they don't even have the choice, assuming they don't consider them over the limit
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We're about 40 miles from the East Orange hospital. Trips up there required at least a half day off from work. Turned out that it was just easier to stick with the appointment at that facility instead of dealing with the Vet's Choice people.
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drummergirl, how far are you from the VA facility?
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debdaughter, gee I don't know. It's possible. All I know is that the Caregiver Help Line rep had a Care Coordinator call me the next day, and it was she who got me in touch with the staff at the HBPC team. That team also includes a coordinator, who works with the PCP (nurse practitioner) and other members of that particular team.

About the Veteran's Choice - yes, I have some experience with that program. At first, my dad's prostate biopsy was to have been done closer to us (due to distance) but dealing with them (and having to verify my identity as DPOA, EVERY TIME I CALLED) turned out to be a bit of a hassle.

We ended up returning to the VA to have it done within the East Orange facility. It was just simpler to keep it within the VA. The VA has a wonderful centralized information system, with all records at a glance. SUPER convenient.
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hm, drummergirl, care coordinator? trying to remember if I've heard that term, who that would be...would that be the person they referred me to at the local VAMC? so is that who suggested you apply for HBPC rather than the rep at the helpline? anyway they certainly didn't mention it themselves, nor did the - if it was a - coordinator when they called, just the geriatric program, just don't know how they even went that way when nobody else could find anything, just wondering if something was pulled off the record but couple days ago they got the brochure about the Veterans Choice program; posted on here somewhere wondering if anybody else had gotten one or knew anything about it
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debdaughter, I don't know why that happened as it did for you. Sounds as if it was just poor communication on someone's part in your experience. It really was quite simple for me.

The Caregiver Support person referred me to a care coordinator, who clearly explained what the program was all about.

I was contacted by all team members within a matter of days, and appointments to see my dad in our home were scheduled within a month.

The HBPC program also provided 10 hours per week of aide support in the home. I was given contact numbers for all staff concerned, and steered toward the correct form online (1010EC).

Now I'm working with the Medical Foster Home coordinator. Things are moving. The attention we received from the NJ VA was quick and comprehensive.

Maybe the caregiver support person you dealt with was misinformed, and kicked off the process on the wrong foot.
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Since just recently following you the paperwork is in requesting VA Homebound Care, thank you so much.
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drummergirl, that's wonderful, but when I called the VA Caregiver Help Line regarding hub's uncle, first of all they only left a message for the caregiver support person at the local VAMC; however, when she called she's the first one who mentioned the geriatric program saying he had had a consult put in for it but had missed it then there began to be somewhat of confusion as whether the team comes to the local CBOC, then more confusion as whether he had indeed had a consult for it, since they not only could not find an upcoming appointment nor a previous one, which, even though he missed it, kept saying they should still be able to find it if there had been one; they did begin to mention the Veterans Choice program - has anybody heard of that? but the only way the Home Based Primary Care program has been mentioned has been by the more? possibly local CBOC and then at first we were told we'd have to be referred by the current primary and even that as well to even change CBOC's although later they backed off of that and said we could change those without the referral from the current primary and then the ones there were much more amenable to HBPC, which current primary has never mentioned anything about, no matter how bad things are, says that's just the way it is, nothing can do, no matter how much help wife/aunt needs managing his care and certainly nothing said about app online - will check into that

had the whole myheathevet with my dad; loved it for taking care of him, wish uncle had it - talking to his current clinic by phone is a pain, think this other one would be much better - can't even determine for sure now who his nurse is, which has led to issues.

We may finally be getting somewhere with the Aid and Attendance pension possibly with this but also possibly with getting paperwork to open a new account for it for homecare at this point - or well, maybe not this point but by the point of getting it, so may not need the new account but may definitely need the new CBOC.

don't think it's a state thing, think our issue is with one clinic or even one primary who doesn't seem to really believe in the Aid and Attendance, although she did sign the first time, just too many other issues to overcome at the time that it expired and now much has changed
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Thank you, ramiller. I truly don't know where we'd be without the stellar support of the VA. I wish you well in your journey, also.
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Drummergirl, thank you for all that valuable information. It really helps when we pass info on,there are so many things to learn on this journey. Truly appreciate your sharing. Hope the best for dad and you!
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When my dad lost his car in December 2014, he became "homebound." At a time when his physical, emotional and mental states were deteriorating, I knew I needed help managing his care from then on.

I called the VA Caregiver Help Line and the rep suggested I apply for HBPC (Home Based Primary Care), and downloaded the application. Dad was quickly approved, and within a matter of days, I received a call from the coordinator.

The team consists of a multidisciplinary staff including the coordinator, primary care provider (nurse practitioner), psychologist, dietitian, physical therapist, and social worker. At first, it was a whirlwind of having each member come to the house to visit with Dad and do their intake visits.

Dad's PCP is available through the Secure Messaging feature on the "myhealthevet" site (myhealth.va.gov, in itself an amazing resource). All are accessible via phone, we well, and are responsive.

An added bonus to the HBPC program is that Dad is automatically eligible for MFH (Medical Foster Care) with recommendation of his PCP. I am currently working on getting Dad placed due to his advancing needs. These applications include Aid & Attendance pension, which goes a long way toward paying for the MFH (for which he'll be automatically approved, once he moves to the MFH).

The entire NJ VA Healthcare system has been a godsend.
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Verna makes a good point. When moving to AL make sure you check out ALL the costs of the facility. Some people look at the rent which may be appealing but dont look into all the add ons, like shower assists, med administration, escort to dining room and on and on. Each facility is different so when you do a tour make sure you have a list of all the services you or your loved one will need and have the facility give you a fee schedule, that way you can compare based on ALL the costs. Also many facilities have a one time move in fee, which can again be very different from one facility to another. Just some thoughts to keep in mind when shopping.
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Palcaregivers is the link to the steps I took to apply for mom's aide and attendance benefits. She received her first check in three months. Hope the information is helpful to anyone going down that road. These benefits are helping us to pay for caregivers for mom who now needs 24/7 care.
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Marlis, do you still blog on your personal blog?
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hub's aunt and uncle that I've been working with that has had strokes and appears to have vascular dementia and isn't quite paralyzed on right side but pretty close, his clinic/primary will not refer him, think he still needs that getting out and coming in to the clinic
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Marge228 that last message was for you.
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Palcaregivers

I listed the steps i took to apply for moms benefits. You can also email me from that page. I will help in anyway i can.
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I have heard that there are special programs for women vets,but I don't know what they are. Talk to the counselor-I know they do have retirement homes,but I don't know who is eligible for them. I wish I could be of more help, but please keep on pushing the counselors for answers to any questions you have.
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To Countrygrad.
I got out of the WACs in January and got married to a man I met in Landstuhl. We got married in March 54 and moved to his home state, Tennessee. I started going to college on the GI bill. The 2 years I lived on Tenn, I never had to go to the dr. He went back in the army and we moved around a lot. My first experience with the VA was when he retired and moved back to Tenn. I started going to the VA in Johnson City, Tn, Then later in Oklahoma City and now in Vancouver, WA. I am now living in an assistant living,. I don't like it, but I have no home to go to. I need to find out if the VA would come here. If I got disabled physically, it would cost extra for care. I need to get some information. I don't know if I answered your question. Verna
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vja1951
Have you been going to the VA clinics for anything? if so, they can refer you to home care if they believe you qualify for it. My husband had been in the system for about 25 years before he developed vascular dementia. He was then referred to the memory clinic,where he was followed for about 4 years. After he had 2 strokes and was paralyzed on his right side, they immediately referred him to home care. I have never had one minute of any concerns that were not addressed within 24 hours. You do have to remember that they work on a government schedule,so they work 7-4 during the week and are closed weekends and holidays.Of course the In-patient hospitals are different. Ask your benefits counselor about it, and they may even help pay for your current living .arrangements. I would say to be persistent and calm. The clinics here do have a waiting list. Good luck
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ramiller - my father served in WWII and passed in 1991. He served in Normandy , Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland Central Europe. We need help for my mother we is 83 and not in good health any advice you can share with me would be greatly appreciated. I do not know where your profile page is where you listed your info. Thanks in advance! Marge
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I am a veteran. Women's Army Corps 1951-1954 My daughter thought I should be in an assistant living. I was living in an independent living place. I costs a lot of money for the AL. If I had know about the home care, I would not have moved into the very expensive place. My VA benefits have not started yet. I had to take out a very large loan to move in. Fortunately Discover card had a no interest loan for 20 months. They charge extra for a lot of things. Stay out of one as long as you can. Verna
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Any vet or spouse of vet should look into benefits available to them. Aid and attendance benefits help pay for caregivers even family caregivers. There are income limits but everyone should at least check. We applied for my mom and benefits started in three months she now gets 1149 a month to pay for care. It is really helping alot. If you check my profile page you will see my info where i wrote out the process we used to get her benefits so quickly. You can also contact me there if you need assistance. I am no expert but will share what i know.Ruth Anne
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