Dr. Eboni Green
May 29, 2017
When her mother said she needed assistance, Savanah relocated from Milwaukee to Omaha, to become her full-time caregiver. Her mother, Virginia a 49-year-old veteran was going blind and had major injuries after losing her footing and falling down the stairs. Savanah says, “safety is a major concern. She tries so hard to be independent, even though she has lost 99% of her vision. That is why I moved here to care for her.”
Savanah assists her mother with bathing, dressing, meals, and in taking her medication as prescribed. “I wanted to provide my mom with the best care and Caregiver Support Services taught me how to care for her properly.”
One of Savanah’s greatest challenges has been transportation to and from the Veteran’s Administration (VA) building. Right now, she and her mother take the bus. “Getting organized and being able to get my mother to and from her doctor’s appointments at the Veteran’s Administration has been a real challenge. My mother is unable to see and often feels restless while we are riding the bus.”
The good news is that there is help available for veterans and their caregivers. The Veteran’s Administration offers a variety of long-term care services for qualifying veterans, including a Caregiver Support Line. “The VA recognizes the important role caregivers play in the lives of veterans” says Joni Dittbrenner, the Caregiver Support Coordinator at the VA. Joni also says, “the answer for Savanah and her mother might be the VA’s vision assistance program.”
Contact the Veterans Administration. If you are a caregiver in need of support as you care for a loved one who is a veteran, you can call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274. The Veteran’s Administration offers a variety of services that are designed to empower and support veterans and their family caregivers.
Educate yourself about the condition of your loved one. Some caregivers report that they are not being given enough information about their loved one or client’s condition in a manner that is easily understood. Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. For example, if your loved one has changes in his or her vision you might consider visiting the American Foundation for the Blind and attend one of their e-trainings.
If you are not sure where to start. The “Ask Emma” Caregiver Support Tool is a strength’s-based self-help tool, designed to empower you to achieve optimum wellness. Check out the features and benefits of using this valuable wellness tool designed just for you.
Become a member. If you want to learn new skills, understand your role better, network with like-minded carers and feel like you’re never alone, we’re right here. From the moment you connect, you’ll notice the difference it makes to your physical and mental wellbeing. As a community that cares, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Savanah plans to contact Joni at the VA to gain additional supports for her mother. She says, “it is difficult and sometimes challenging, she cries a lot, but I try to encourage her. I know we will make it, but for now, I am her eyes. I am her caregiver.”
