U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) today announced via a release that post-9/11 veterans and their families are now eligible for additional services under the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. These services are meant to help eligible post-9/11 veterans who elect to receive their care in a home setting from a primary family caregiver.

Kaptur said the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is now accepting applications for caregiver services, which include a stipend, mental health services and access to health care insurance if they are not already entitled to care or services under a health plan.

“We know the need is great among our veterans,” Kaptur said. “Now there is additional help available to families who are trying to meet their challenge of care for their loved ones.”

Services that are available under the program include:

· In-Home and Community Based Care: skilled home health care, homemaker home health aide services, adult day health care and home-based primary care.

· Respite Care: relief for the family caregiver from the constant challenge of caring for a chronically ill or disabled veteran at home, including in-home care, a short stay in one of VA’s community living centers or an environment designed for adult day health care.

· Caregiver education and training programs: opportunities that include pre-discharge care instruction and specialized caregiver programs in severe traumas such as Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders, and Blind Rehabilitation.

· Caregiver support groups: family counseling, spiritual and pastoral care, family leisure and recreational activities, and temporary lodging in Fisher Houses, as well as support in a face to face setting or by telephone.

· Other services: durable medical equipment and prosthetic and sensory aides to improve function, financial assistance with home modification to improve access and mobility, and transportation assistance for some veterans to and from medical appointments.

Kaptur urged veterans needing assistance to apply at www.caregiver.va.gov or call her office at 419-259-7000 or toll free 800-964-4699.

Tags: Congress, Government, Marcy Kaptur, veterans

This entry was posted on Friday, May 27th, 2011 at 5:05 pm and is filed under Community, Government.
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