At age 86, he is now on hospice care. He is receiving in home care and nursing, and our mother is caring for him around the clock. Myself and my 3 siblings are all contributing as often as we can, and have attempted to put tgthr schedules wkly in order that both of our parents are being routinely checked on and helped really in all ways, including everything household chore, and financially related. I went yesterday to discuss nighttime hrs of care for our Dad, as it is becoming increasingly difficult for our Mom to manage because, though mobile, she is 82 yrs old and has an array of medical problems also. Add to this the lack of sleep due to our Dads almost constant need for care; (and he is somewhat stubborn about this care coming from her alone!,). Yesterday I went to discuss this with a service who said they can provide in home care for night time 4-8 or more hours for as many nights as Mom may need it, and as they can provide with employee availability for any given night. They would send CNAs or NAs only in providing this service. Later in speaking with one of my sisters, she mentioned that VA may be an option for Dad, because of his service in the military. So my question is pertaining to this- would he qualify for care from VA (expense paid because he is a veteran.
I had always heard stories about VA not being so great, then I went with my husband (married after he left the Army after 14 years). The respect and care they showed was impressive.
https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/guide/longtermcare/homemaker_and_home_health_aide_care.asp#
However, ask - any help is still help. The VA also does HomeHealthCare but most often this is just a once a week nurse. The VA also has a Nursing Home available for Veterans, but you must sign over your home. Sometimes "free help" isn't as free as we think.
My DH is 96 and a WWII Veteran and the VA helps with medicines and supplies needed to keep him clean, ie wipes & wash. But we use a private homehealth and were referred by his regular physician. However, the depends, wipes and Perineal Soap are a blessing as they are not cheap. He also gets Ensure and Thick-It but the amounts monthly are limited. It still saves us 'out of pocket' for his needs.
Ask ask ask.
I had also been trying to find a good private duty firm in case I couldn't figure out a way to qualify Dad. That's another story, but it's been a disappointing search to try to find a reliable and trustworthy company in my area.
No Social Workers ever mentioned the site you referenced - it's always the same spiel on Aid and Attendance.
Then I read your post, checked out the link, and became aware of something that I never knew before, and suddenly the world became better for us - brighter, more hopeful, and even better than chocolate!
I quote (the VA site isn't copyrighted):
"Since Homemaker Home Health Aide services are part of a service within the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, all enrolled Veterans are eligible if they meet the clinical need for the service."
Dad gets the SMBP and would clearly meet the clinical needs.
Thanks so much for your post, your reference, and for adding relief and enthusiasm to my search for care. My stress is melting away, suddenly I have more hope for Dad, and I feel like Tom Hanks in Castaway when he's finally rescued! (Except that I'm not quite yet passed out and dehydrated as he was.)
Contact the VA or a Veterans Commission office and see what they can do. You do NOT have to pay for this service although there are people that will do the same work you can do but they will charge you a fee.
As a matter of fact there may be someone connected with the Hospice Organization you are with that is a liaison to the VA and they could help you and they may possibly be able to push the application through a bit faster.
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