Supporter Lost Need Advice/ Help

[natalie.vega1]

My husband is 100% completely and totally disabled through the VA. I am a full time student in Pharmacy School. Our life is a daily struggle with an active 8 year old. Every morning I wake up two hours early to make sure my husband takes his meds and has everything he needs for through out the day. Then I get my child ready for school. He takes the ride with me to bring her then I drop him back off at home check one last time to make sure everything he needs is out and labeled with notes. I keep my phone on me at all times incase he has any questions during the day. When I come home its the same thing, I help him with whatever he may need and its hard I am trying to do the best we can with what we have. Some days are harder than others and some days he can be perfectly fine, others not so much. I did fill out the caregiver form and sent it out today. But I was just wondering if there is anything else anyone would recommend I do. I just found out about this program and while it sounds amazing it also sounds like more work for me. I was told I would have to go to meetings? for things I already do on a daily basis. That i would have to learn how to be his caregiver???? I have done this for years, years before he even got out the Marine Corps. Any advice or words of wisdom would be great. I love my husband and would do anything for him, but because of his PTSD and anxiety we do not do much and can not go out much. I feel like there is more I can do for him I just do not know where to start on top of my already busy schedule!!!

Thank You in Advance

 

[Powder]

I've never heard of the caregiver program and I don't understand what you're asking. Sorry, you do sound busy.

 

[ladee]

Do you mind sharing what the 'caregiver program ' is? And is there a way for you to get out of going to the classes as you have been doing this for years? It wouldn't hurt to ask.
You are doing an awesome job staying on top of everything, but do hope somewhere, somehow, you manage some 'me' time !!! Is there any one else that could come in and help out sometimes? Sorry if I am asking so many questions... would just like to be more clear on how to help you.

 

[Sweetpea76]

From what I understand the "class" isn't much more than a training manual and online quiz... I'm checking into this myself, so I'm curious what others have to say also.

 

[ladee]

It would be better if it was a Caregivers Support ! you already know how to do what you are doing... it would be nice to be able to meet with others who have your daily struggles so you didn't feel so alone... keep us updated.. and we do have a full Supporters Section here , so maybe you can check that out and see if it helps you... you are doing a lot and need a break !!

 

[natalie.vega1]

The Caregiver program is set up by the VA, they take into account the amount of time a week you have to spend taking care of your veteran or military member, they do require that the service member be connected to the VA. I did look a little further into and since we live so far from the nearest VA hospital I would have to do training online. They start with an initial phone interview, then look through the Vets medical history, then you take the "class" or "training" and then they send someone to your house for a home visit to make sure living conditions of the Vet are livable and "not dangerous". I spoke to an exetremly friendly rep who was able to answer a lot of my questions. If you or any of your friends take care of a Vet or military service member, they should defiantly look into this. The number is 1-855-260-3274........ The caregiver which in our situation would be me, receives a stipend depending on which tier they set you at. The more help the Vet needs the higher your tier will be. When I heard of this I thought it was a type of system where they send out someone like a nurse of some sort to help with the needs of the Vet when you are unable to be home. But I was misinformed. The number listed, was very helpful. Since my husband is unable to work because his PTSD is so severe the extra income would really help a lot and take a lot of pressure off of me, being a student and having loans, its hard to live off of such a low income. But again the rep i spoke with was amazing and also stated they offer support groups for the caregiver, which is amazing to me, just knowing I'm not the only one, people I can connect with who are going through a lot of the same feelings, and emotions.They will also offer help and health care for my daughter and I if we are ranked into a certain tier. I know a lot of times my daughter gets the short end of me, and may feel left out at times because of the constant needs of her dad. He does try daily to spend as much time with her as possible, but even at 8 she knows he's different then other dads, but at 8 she does not have the mental compasity to understand why. So knowing there are people she can speak with as well, is the most comforting thing i have heard in a very very long time.

 

[ladee]

This is great news.. I was hoping there was a stipend involved and a support group too !!! And she was nice. Icing on the cake... ! So happy you are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully this will free you up to spend more time with your daughter... I know you are working hard to get thru school so you can have a good income, but the extra will help.
and your daughter getting some benefits too !!!! Thank you so much for sharing this information... Have you shared it on the Supporters side? They would really benefit from you experience and information....
Hope things start to settle down for you.... bless you and your family.... You are doing an amazing job !!Hugs to you and your family...

 

[natalie.vega1]

This is great news.. I was hoping there was a stipend involved and a support group too !!! And she was ni...

Thank You!!! I have not shared it yet on the supporters side but I defiantly will!!!! As soon as I figure out how!!! I'm new to this but I have been playing on it for awhile today reading other stories. I just finished finals today, so I have spent the majority of the day reading different forums and people who are in the same situations. There is so much the VA offers that no one knows about. It angers me that these men/women are not aware of just how many benefits are out there for them, because unless they know who to ask they are not told. Upon exiting the military they tell them nothing and our Vets and increasing in numbers daily with no help or guidance and for some war is all they know. Its hard for them to come home and just "pretend" they are ok. This is why I'm working to become a pharmacist, so that I can work at the VA, and help as much as I can with the help they are not getting!!!

 

[ladee]

This is wonderful to read... and wishing you much success with your plans to help our vets... It is very frustrating for them so much of the time... Happy that you posted and prayers for you and your family.

 

[EveHarrington]

Welcome. :)

 

[intothelight]

@natalie.vega1 Welcome and thank you for sharing this information.