Support for Our Nation’s Hidden Heroes

Author

SYNERGY HomeCare

Posted on

Oct 18, 2022

Book/Edition

Colorado - Colorado Springs

If you’re one of the country’s more than 5.5 million Hidden Heroes, —family members caring for veterans and members of our military—you know that caregiving is a full-time job. It’s probably one of the most challenging—and rewarding—roles you’ll ever have.

Whether you’re a military spouse caring for an injured service member, an adult child or sibling caring for a veteran parent or loved one, or a spouse caring for a veteran, you don’t have to do it alone. Support is available. And finding that support—for both you and your loved one—is vital so you can provide the care your loved one needs. 

Take the initiative developing a strong support system for you and your loved one. Here’s where to start:

Look into community resources. There are a number of service organizations that offer support and aid to service members, veterans, their families and caregivers. Contact your local VA office or agency on aging for more information about resources in your community. In addition, HiddenHeros.org provides a directory of hundreds of resources for military family caregivers. 

Contact the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP). The CSP offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. They also provide educational resources and support. There is a CSP Team Locator located at every VA location. 

Enlist help from family and friends. Expand your support network by reaching out to friends, family, neighbors and other military families who understand what you’re experiencing. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Oftentimes friends and family want to help but don’t know how and appreciate being asked. 

Consider respite care. Respite care provides short-term relief for the caregiver, giving a much-needed break. This can help ease caregiver stress, allowing you time to refresh and recharge. 

Hire a professional caregiver. In addition to providing assistance with daily activities, a professional caregiver can help with light housekeeping, errands and transportation, provide memory care and recovery support for illness, stroke, or surgery. In many cases, veterans are eligible for benefits that help cover the expense of home care services. 

Remember that members of the military are used to helping others and putting others’ needs ahead of their own, and it can be hard to be on the receiving end of service. At SYNERGY HomeCare, we understand that asking for help can be difficult, but it’s not a sign of weakness. We take pride in offering flexible respite care to military caregivers and adapting to each unique situation.

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Respite care benefits both the individual and their caregiver because the individual receives care that the caregiver normally provides, allowing the family member to take a break from their usual caregiving responsibilities. VA respite care is convenient because Veterans and their families can access the services in a few ways. Veterans who live at home can have a respite caregiver travel to the home to provide services. The Veteran can also attend a VA adult day health care program if there is one in their area. For longer periods of care, the Veteran can receive respite care services at a nursing home. This option may be suitable for Veterans whose caregivers need to be away from the Veteran for a few days due to a trip or another responsibility. Veterans may qualify for VA respite care services if they meet the criteria and if these services are available near them. Services vary by location. The Veteran may be responsible for a copay based on their disability status and financial situation. VA case managers can help interested Veterans determine eligibility, learn if they have a copay, and apply for the service.Home-based primary care (HBPC)VAs home-based primary care (HBPC) program can offer invaluable help to Veterans who find it difficult to leave home for medical care. This service brings health care to the Veterans home if they live within 40 miles of a VA medical center. Medical professionals, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and other health care professionals, can provide services in the Veterans home. Veterans who are enrolled in the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package are eligible to receive home-based primary care if the service is available in their area and they meet the clinical criteria. VA case managers can help Veterans learn whether they meet the requirements and whether there is a program in their area.Skilled home health careSkilled home health care can be an important part of a Veterans recovery from an injury or hospitalization. The skilled home health care program provides skilled nursing services to Veterans transitioning home from a hospital or skilled nursing facility but still needing care at home.If a Veteran is eligible for community care and meets other criteria, they may qualify for the skilled home health care program. VA case managers can help determine eligibility and assist the Veteran in applying for the service.Homemaker and home health aide programIf a Veteran needs help with activities of daily living and maintaining their homes cleanliness, the VA homemaker and home health aide program may be a great fit for their situation. Through this service, the Veteran receives care through a VA-approved home care agency that sends caregivers to the Veterans home. Typically, these caregivers can help with light housekeeping, meal preparation, and assistance with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living.Veterans eligible for community care may qualify to participate in the homemaker and home health aide program. VA case managers can help Veterans determine whether they qualify and will have a copay in addition to helping them receive the services.Home hospice careVeterans can receive home hospice services during their final stage of life. As with typical hospice services, providers help manage the patients symptoms while the patient is no longer seeking curative treatments for their illness or condition. In addition to symptom management, the Veterans family and loved ones can receive grief counseling services.This service is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package. Enrolled Veterans are eligible for home hospice care if their physician determines theres a clinical need. Hospice care requires no copayments from the Veteran. Palliative careAlthough palliative care also aims to manage chronic conditions and maximize quality of life, it should not be confused with hospice care. The main difference is that patients can use palliative care services while receiving curative treatments, whereas those receiving hospice care cannot. Through the VA palliative care program, Veterans work with doctors, nurses, social workers, and other professionals to manage pain and other symptoms associated with one or more chronic conditions. The palliative care program is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package. A Veteran may be eligible if they demonstrate a medical need for it. VA social workers can help determine potential copays and processes for initiating this type of care.Home telehealth assistanceThe home telehealth assistance program allows Veterans living at home to use technology to monitor their health and communicate with their health care providers. With remote patient monitoring, health care providers can access real-time data about the Veteran patient. Phone visits and video communication can allow Veterans who are homebound or live far from their providers to contact doctors quickly and as needed.Veterans can talk with their health care provider at the nearest VA medical center about the home telehealth assistance options in their area.Veteran-directed careVeteran-directed care is more of an approach to how the Veteran chooses to receive their care than a specific type of care. Many Veterans receive care from VA-directed health care providers, but through Veteran-directed care, the Veteran chooses their care service providers. They are responsible for hiring, managing, and paying their providers with the budget they receive. This program fosters autonomy and allows the Veteran to take the lead on who provides their care.To participate, the Veteran must be eligible for community care and meet health requirements. VA social workers can work with interested Veterans to determine the individuals eligibility and inform them on how to get started.Whether a senior Veteran wants to live at home or in a long-term care community, they can turn to VA to receive the care they need.