VA Offers Support, Financial Help to Veterans’ Caregivers
As of May 2011, the Veterans Administration provides additional support for eligible post-9/11 veterans who receive care in a home setting from a primary caregiver, plus financial help to caregivers and respite and benefits payments. The stipends pay a monthly average of $1,600.
Caregiver Website
Caring for anyone with a disability can be challenging at times, there is a caregiver support website at www.caregiver.va.gov to help folks. The site includes a zip code search feature to locate the nearest VA medical center-based caregiver support coordinator, links to existing VA social media and information on caregiver-specific social media features.
Caregiver Support Line
With VA’s Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274 toll free) assistance is just a phone call away. Whether you’re in need of immediate assistance or have questions about what services you may be eligible for, clinical social workers respond to calls, provide information and referral to VA and community resources, and offer supportive counseling to callers from across the country. The Caregiver Support Line is staffed 24/7.
Respite Care
A caregiver is eligible to receive up to 30 days of respite care per year. The care can be offered in a variety of settings including at your home or through temporary placement of a veteran at a VA Community Living Center, a VA-contracted Community Residential Care Facility, or an Adult Day Health Care Center.
Respite care may also be provided in response to a family caregiver’s unexpected hospitalization, a need to go out of town, or a family emergency.
How to Get Started
A local Caregiver Support Coordinator matches you with services you are eligible for, and provides you with valuable information about resources. Get connected with a Caregiver Support Coordinator at at www.caregiver.va.gov, through VA’s Caregiver Support Line (above), or through the VA Medical Center near you.
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