Veterans have served our country, helping to keep us safe, and secure our freedom. Sometimes during the course of their service they become severely injured, requiring caregiving services in order to help them continue to live a meaningful life. If you are a family caregiver for a veteran, you may also have services and support available to you. Here are just a few of them.
Home based primary care
One of the toughest jobs of caregiving is getting your family member to and from medical appointments. In order to make it easier, the VA offers home based primary care for veterans, which allows their basic medical appointments to be conducted at home. This includes mental health care, physical therapy, and managing medication.
Just reducing the number of trips you need to make to a VA center can be a big reduction in stress for a caregiver, and for your family member as well.
Skilled home care
Similar to the above service, this program is specific to home bound veterans who do not find it easy to get to and from appointments. Although this covers the same treatment options, in this case the VA contracts with a medical professional outside the VA rather than using one of their own doctors or nurses.
Homemaker and home help aide program
Many times something your veteran needs help with is personal care. This includes feeding and bathing as well as other personal tasks. This program can both help family caregivers take much needed time off while their family member is being cared for, but also may help in avoiding embarrassment and added stress due to the workload.
Respite care
Perhaps most importantly, respite care is an important program available that you should be aware of. Respite care allows you to have a trained professional come in and care for your family member while you, the main care provider, take a break.
Burn out is a serious problem when you are constantly providing care for another person, and the ability to step out for a minute and get some “me time” is very important.
If your loved one is a veteran, you are eligible for up to 30 days of respite care a year, giving you the opportunity you need to take care of yourself and stay strong for your loved one.
If you need help taking care of a veteran who has done his or her part to serve their country, there are plenty of options available to help and support you. If you need help, reach out to Homewatch CareGivers of Ellicott City and Annapolis today. We are here for what ever help you need and to support you and your veteran in what ever way we can to make sure you are both safe and happy.
