My mother 93 is pretty much housebound with poor mobility and dementia. She is very low income receiving SS of around $600 and a spousal VA pension of around $200 monthly. I'm her caretaker and occasionally pay a sitter for a little break. Mother is in good physical health except for mobility issues. As her mobility decreases she is requiring more and more assistance with bathing and going to toilet etc. I feel like Aid and Attendance would really help her out as sitters are very expensive. How does it work? Would her regular $200 pension go away? Is Aid and Attendance solely to be used for someone coming in to help or can the money be used for supplies etc. Does the money have to be used up entirely every month? Would a certain amount of savings disqualify her, house, land or the fact that she lives with me? Sorry so many questions just overwhelmed by all of this. Also mother is not able to get out to go to VA office and probably not able to sign anything. If I could help get this going know would be a great help but just so overwhelmed by the process and plus all the other responsibilities I have. Hardly ever leave the house anymore.
I was "overwhelmed" caring daily for both my parents; was blessed when I was referred to "Patriot Angels" (844-757-3047 / www.patriotangels.com) - I honestly could not have done it alone. P.Angels answered ALL my questions; when other organiza-
tions could not. NOTE: I had to Re-apply for Spousal Aid & Attendance for my mom after my dad died Nov 2018 (sadly; my parents only collected for 4 mos) Mom/I are still waiting for VA approval....over 6 mos now.
Make sure VA claim is submitted with "expedited" status for any applicant over 85 yrs old.
Good Luck!
It took over 9 months to go through all the hoops needed to be done.
This website appears to provide a good overview of the process and the papers/copies you should get together: https://www.veteranaid.org/apply.php
I really relate to the feeling that it's hopeless. But it isn't. I found it helpful to contact a county office for local support first. Many of them have prepared checklists and can also recommend other programs (such as VA Home and Community Based Services that can more quickly step in to provide part-time home care).
I really feel your panic and anxiety, but reaching out and taking one day, one hour, one step at a time is the ladder to cling to. Once you have made contact with a legitimate, non-profit Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or VA-supported/certified office, you will start to feel sane and supported.
I don't want to add to being overwhelmed, but the VA also has a lot of information to digest at:
https://benefits.va.gov/PENSION/aid_attendance_housebound.asp and
https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/
If you intend to mail in this information, PLEASE SENT IT CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT so you have proof you actually mailed the application & all the documentation. KEEP A COPY OF WHAT YOU MAILED IN.
This site provides the mailing address you will need to mail the completed application & supporting documents. There's more than one address; so, make sure to use the correct one - it is dependent upon which state your mother resides.
If you are having trouble understanding any portion of the application procedure, it's possible your local VA Representative can help you. However, since at least in Indiana they are political appointees, they may not be aware of the process. Sometimes your local Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans groups may have someone who can. If not, contact your state's main office of these organizations & they will have a list of members who can help you.
You will have to fill out a VA form & obtain the required signatures in order to be able to do this for your mother.
There also may be a fax number the paperwork can be faxed to - make certain you can get delivery confirmation; however, I strongly advise mailing hard copies as well - CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT - & be sure to following up every weeks by calling the center to which everything was sent.
When I did this for my mother, I included a cover letter in which I listed everything I sent in as well as the application & made sure everything was in the order I listed it.
Good luck.
“ VET ASSIST” it’s out there to help you get a caregiver set up to be brought in to your home to help you. In some cases you can be the paid caregiver if this is what you wanted. You would have contact this program if they have it find a homecare agency that would allow you to become the caregiver and go from here. The organization will walk you through everything. They are wonderful people to work with. They do ask about income and will need copies of all the military paper work. You also probably can get Medicade for your loved one. If you go through the state they will come in and talk to you and your loved one. They will access the situation and assign your family members hours then you will be able to use the hours ( for a caregiver)once you get approved for them. The state should recommend a homecare agency to you. This will help you get some respite time you need for yourself. Either way you go they are going to ask financial information. The Vet Assist program is very helpful in getting the process started. They are like a middle man per say. If you would go this route be prepared to have someone come into your home as well. Both ways they need to be able to access the situation and talk about the needs at hand.
The Vet Assist program will help you find a good homecare agency as well. Like I said they play middle man and get things moving faster. One thing though if you’re POA you will not be able to be a paid caregiver for your mom unless transfer it to someone else. I just wanted to let you know that.
Good luck to you!
https://www.agingcare.com/topics/138/veterans-benefits/articles
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