Senior Living Advice: Free Home Care available for Veterans
By BETH DOW, Home Helpers of GA & AL
May is Military Appreciation Month.
Introduced in May 1999 by Sen. John McCain, this month is set aside to reflect on the sacrifices current and former military personnel have made for each of us. If you are presently in the military, have previously served, or a member of the family of someone serving, I want to say “thank you.” I do know that the freedom I have today is because of you.
I am a proud Army Brat. Both my daddy and my granddaddy served in the Army. While the word “brat” may have a negative tone to some, most Army Brats wear the name like a badge of honor. Army Brats are often more resilient than their civilian counterparts due to the moves, the stressors, and the cultural experiences they share.
While a definitive explanation of where the term Army Brat originated is hard to find, many trace it to the acronym for British Regiment Attached Traveler. This term was given to families who were able to travel abroad with their soldier. It soon referenced just the military children.
A researcher, Dr. Grace Clifton, also found a song from 1707 in a play called “The Recruiting Officer” that described soldier life. The song referenced “brats and wives.”
In the 1942 War Dictionary, the term is defined as “in regard to the children of Army officers,” and was a term of endearment.
While I am not sure of the origin, I am and have always been, very proud to be an Army Brat. I am also very proud that through my company – Home Helpers Home Care – we are able to provide veterans with quality home care. I consider it a great privilege to be given the opportunity to share in their care as they age.
Many veterans and their families may not realize that they may qualify for Home Care Services paid for by the Veterans Administration (VA). The Community Care Network offers Home Health Aide, Homemaker and Respite Care for eligible veterans. This is a health care program as opposed to a pension program.
There are no income or network requirements, but you do need to be enrolled in the VA Health System. Most veterans are eligible to receive 6 to 16 hours per week. Hours are determined by the needs of the veteran and can be extended to 24 hour a day!
The first step in applying for this service is to fill out the 10-10EZ form. You can download the form from the VA website.
National Military appreciation month, flanked by the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe (VE Day) and Memorial Day, with Military Spouse Appreciation Day in the middle (May 12), gives us all the perfect opportunity to publicly show our appreciation for our troops, and their families – past and present.
Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd and Geriatric Care Manager. She is also the owner of Home Helpers of GA & AL in Newnan. Readers can contact her by email at [email protected].
