How do you become a Caregiver for your Spouse if He or She is OIF, OEF, Vietnam and branch immaterial?

My cousin and his wife run a non-profit called the Veterans Wife. They fought for years to get assistance from the VA and went through extremely hard times before he started receiving benefits. They started the non profit to help veterans and their families, especially through navigating the system to get the assistance they need.

His wife Jade is now his caretaker and on the Indianapolis VA Board of Caretakers. If any veteran needs assistance in getting a caretaker or any assistance, they can be of help. They also provide support to caregivers and family members whom are trying to make it through tough times.

This is not just a shameless plug, Jade and her team does real work to help veterans on a daily basis. If you need a caretaker or are trying to become one, please contact them.

http://www.the Veterans Wife.com

COL Burroughs, Sir; How does one ever Thank a Wife/partner for what She has been put through ?? 15 operations and she has Never left my side !! Has anyone in CONGRESS ever considered what a wife, a family has had to deal with in reference to a Veteran with health issues ?? What has the family LOST, What is the cost to the family structure because of these illnesses ?? "For richer, for poorer, till death....." How much has a family sacrificed ??.. We mention PTSD !!.. What of Stress and Trauma that a poor, loyal wife must endure ?? We all speak of American hero's.. Why Not look at the wives of our American Servicemen and women, for they too are true Americans, who need to be recognized for what they have provided in the success of this Country !! I am very fortunate, however, it has NOT been because Congress or the VA !!!

I have a caregiver. I contacted the coordinator and went through the process to see if I qualify which thankfully I did. The assessment is to see how many hours a day you need a caregiver and the caregiver will receive tax free allowance according to the time spent caring for the veteran. If it is full-time care the caregiver will also be eligible for ChampVA.

I contacted the Dallas VA and they care me a form call 10/10 care giver form and fill it out and send it back and they will contact you and interview you and your care giver and contact your Doctors to see if you are qualify for the program and if you are assign you a nurse also and check on you twice a year and pay you as a tiers 1/2/3 which ever you qualify for.

Contact the case manager to get plugged into the care giver system.

Hopefully this information will benefit those who are spouses of the OIF, OEF, and Vietnam conflicts COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I expect that veterans of Operations Desert Storm are also included. I learned that veterans of Operation Noble eagle are excluded from these type of benefits and expect that those who served between the wars mentions are also not covered whether we arte 100% disabled or not does snot make any difference in this regard.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs It would be great to see some information on how someone becomes a certified caregiver.

Webinar for Military Caregivers — It Takes Courage After Fire: Navigating the Role of Caregiver

FCA is pleased to partner with Easter Seals Dixon Center and Elizabeth Dole Foundation to host the October military caregiving webinar. This free webinar will explain the impact that an ill veteran can have on their family, as well as the challenges a family faces when providing care. Attendees will also learn about available caregiver resources and caregiver self-care.

When: Thursday, October 20, 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Registration: Click here
http://www.easterseals.com/explore-resources/for-caregivers/military-caregiving-webinar.html

WHO QUALIFIES

To qualify, the veteran you are caring for must meet the following criteria:

Served since September 11, 2001
Been seriously injured (physically *OR* mentally, including PTSD and TBI) in the line
of duty since 9/11/01 (but this doesn't have to include injuries sustained in
combat)
Need help because they can't perform one or more activities of daily living on their
own *OR* they need supervision or protection because of their injuries. These can
include things like: Dressing, Grooming, Bathing, Feeding, Seizures, Difficulty with
Planning or Organizing, Being at Risk for Wandering or Getting Lost, Danger of
Falling, Sleep Problems, Delusions, Hallucinations, Memory Problems, Help
Regulating Mood or Keeping Mood Stable.
Need at least 6 months of assistance from their caregiver.
Must be enrolled or enroll in the VA health services.
Be out of the military or have a date for medical discharge.


These are the basic criteria. There are a few other questions that you will go over with
your VA Caregiver Support Coordinator (someone you'll meet in the next step!).

http://www.familyofavet.com/va_caregiver_program.html

If you need assistance in applying for VA's Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Program, or have questions about the Program, call us at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).