VA to help caregivers of post-9-11 veterans

FORT DRUM — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced this month that it is launching a series of new services for caregivers of veterans who became seriously injured or ill after 9-11.

As part of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, an approved family caregiver will be able to receive a monthly stipend, health-care coverage, care-related travel expenses and a break.

"We know from our experience and research that veterans are best served when they can live their lives as independently as possible surrounded by caring family and friends," Deborah Amdur of VA's Care Management and Social Work Service said in a news release.

Locally, it's unclear how many caregivers serve veterans because the process to implement the new program is incomplete, according to VA regional spokesman James Blue.

"At this point, it simply would be speculative," he said. The VA has hired full-time caregiver coordinators at each of its 152 medical centers, including the one in Syracuse.

Some caregivers already receive training and counseling services. After the VA establishes regulations, it will provide caregivers of the post-9-11-era veterans the stipend, health-care coverage, travel expenses and up to 30 days of coverage by a temporary caregiver so the family member can rest, according to the release.

Stipend amounts will be based on how much care the veteran needs, and the amount will be comparable to what a home health aide in the community would receive, according to a release.

While the designated caregiver will receive the most benefits, approved additional family members will be able to receive entitlements that include training, and paid lodging and meals during travel related to the veteran's care.

The VA's new caregiver hotline is 1 (855) 260-3274.

ON THE NET

VA Caregivers Support: www.caregiver.va.gov