John's March Update: The VA

In March, John saw a neurologist, who diagnosed him as "late stage Alzheimer's".  The Dr. wanted to do another "battery" of tests.  But I did not see the point...the diagnosis seems pretty clear at this point...and there is no treatment, drug or surgery that's going to make a difference.  

It is what it is.

I got John signed up for the V.A. -- and that's been a WONDERFUL thing.  I would like to thank everybody who encouraged me to SIGN UP FOR THE VA...you were sooo right.

AND -- if you are married to a veteran -- here are a few things you should know.

I discovered there are different levels of entitlement.  For example, if a vet was a prisoner of war -- that's the Golden Ticket.  The VA will pay for his/her hospitalizations, medications, hearing aids, glasses, memory care unit, whatever the vet needs -- for no cost whatsoever.  The VA will even pay their spouse a monthly stipend (up to $1500) to be his "caregiver". 

Also, if a veteran is disabled because of his service -- of course, many things are covered, regardless of his financial need.

But, for most run-of-the-mill...I-served-my-country-but-came-home-fine veterans (like John) -- the  benefits he's entitled to are mostly calculated according to his financial need.

And I get that.

But, that being said -- I was happy to discover that the VA provides free "durable medical goods" for ALL veterans, regardless of their income.  That would include, for example -- a wheelchair, a walker, hospital bed or shower stool...and....wait for it...drumroll -- DEPENDS!! (we already received our first shipment!)

After filling out a lot of forms, finding his DD-214, and having three different tele-conferences -- I wasn't expecting much beyond the regular Depends delivery. (which I am VERY grateful for).

SO IMAGINE MY SURPRISE when I got a phone call from the Iowa City V.A. -- telling me they've determined that John is eligible for 11 hours a week of "home health aide" care...(I believe I will have to pay a $30 co-pay).

OMG...OMG...OMG...I cried when I hung up the phone.  

I'd already contacted the local Comfort Keepers franchise, and Friday, April 2, was the first day I was going to have somebody come to the house.   I'd agreed to private pay -- $27/hour -- to get one day off a week.  

NOW THE VA IS COMING TO MY RESCUE...and I can get 4.5 hours on Tuesday -- and 6.5 hours on Friday.

I AM THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD...

When the woman from the VA gave me this news, I started to cry...and she said, "please tell your husband he earned these benefits, hon.  We're happy to give you a break -- so you can continue to take care of our veteran..."