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samnsara

(17,636 posts)
Thu Feb 2, 2017, 10:37 PM Feb 2017

needs guidance muddling thru VA benefits for my elderly parents.

SUDDENLY found myself being the primary caregiver for my parents 85-90. Dads a vet and I am getting him hooked up with VA benefits but WOW I'm overwhelmed! Hes going to get some therapies but what about help with other items such as lift up chairs? Ppl tell me to 'talk to the right person' at the VA..not even sure what they have to offer. TIA my fellow progressives!

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needs guidance muddling thru VA benefits for my elderly parents. (Original Post) samnsara Feb 2017 OP
Dunno, but check with SENIORS Group. elleng Feb 2017 #1
Have you tried contacting someone who sells the items he needs? Phoenix61 Feb 2017 #2
check with the american legion.... mrmpa Feb 2017 #3
My parents were not vets when this happened to me, but I still had to go through a lot of enough Feb 2017 #4
Your dad should be assigned a primary care physician, PA, or NP at the VA pinboy3niner Feb 2017 #5
Look for the Patient's Advocate office... Wounded Bear Feb 2017 #6

Phoenix61

(17,019 posts)
2. Have you tried contacting someone who sells the items he needs?
Thu Feb 2, 2017, 10:48 PM
Feb 2017

A lot of times they know what paperwork has to be filed for something to be paid for.

mrmpa

(4,033 posts)
3. check with the american legion....
Thu Feb 2, 2017, 10:56 PM
Feb 2017

And the VFW. Both organizations have people and info that might help If your dad is a former marine check with a local detachment of the Marine Corps League. The MCL detachments do believe in helping former Marines

Lift up chairs are tough to come by with a doctor's prescriptions you have to have very specific conditions & medicare will only pay for the motor not the chair itself. I suggest Craig's list for this. Got my 86 year old mom a $700 chair for $250. Unfortunately the sons bought it for their mom in February and she died in April we bought it in June.

If repairs are needed for their home or a handicapped ramp is needed, there is an AmeriCorps program called Rebuilding Together, email me for more info on this

enough

(13,262 posts)
4. My parents were not vets when this happened to me, but I still had to go through a lot of
Thu Feb 2, 2017, 10:59 PM
Feb 2017

hoops with Medicare, etc. The only thing I can tell you is be very patient. Don't expect everything to be figured out at once. Always assume that the problem you are working on does have a solution, and the specific individuals you are talking to probably want to help you, even though it may be complicated for them, or they may be stressed out and not really paying attention. Eventually you will find the help your folks are entitled to after their long years.

I wish you all the best in this new situation.

pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)
5. Your dad should be assigned a primary care physician, PA, or NP at the VA
Thu Feb 2, 2017, 11:32 PM
Feb 2017

Talking to the primary would be a good place to start.

Wounded Bear

(58,713 posts)
6. Look for the Patient's Advocate office...
Fri Feb 3, 2017, 12:12 AM
Feb 2017

they will appoint an officer to help you figure this stuff out.

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