Health Care Services
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Women Veterans' Health Care Services & Contacts (Maine VA Healthcare System)
Women veterans--active duty, Reserve, and Guard--with active duty service may be eligible for some or all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physical and mental health care services. Time in service, disabilities, income, and characterization of military discharge are some of the factors considered. It takes very little of your time to complete the VA Form 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits to assess your eligibility for VA care.
The VA began providing medical and psychosocial services for women in 1988, when women represented 4.4 percent of all veterans. In 1992, legislation was passed authorizing the VA to provide gender-specific care. In 2016, about 10% of military veterans are women. They're the fastest growing cohort of VA health care users.
For more information about eligibility, enrollment, and your VA women veteran advocates, see the WomenVetsUSA VA Health Care Program section.
Who is Your Primary Health Care Services Contact and Advocate?
Every VA medical center nationwide is expected to have a Veterans Health Administration-designated Women Veterans Program Manager (WVPM) to advise and advocate for women veterans. The Woman Veterans Program Manager helps coordinate all health care services: primary, gender-specific including reproductive, specialized, and mental health care.
Maine VA "Women Veterans Program Manager"(WVPM)
Name: Ms. LaRhonda Harris
Phone: 207-623-8411, Ext. 4017
E-Mail: larhonda.harris@va.gov
Online: Go to the Maine VA directory/locator, move over to the left-hand menu and click "Health Care Services," and then, "Women Veterans." Your "Women Veterans Program Manager" contact information is listed on this page.
Your Personal Guide to Maine VA Healthcare System
Along with the Women Veterans Health Services information, this guide is an online resource of contact, health care services, and benefits information. Eligibility and enrollment information for veterans with active duty, Reserve, and Guard as well as OEF/OIF/OND combat veteran time is included.
VA Handbooks for "Women Veteran Program Managers" (WVPMs)
VHA Handbook 1330.01: Health Care Services for Women Veterans, May 21, 2010 (Recertification Date: 5/31/2015)
VHA Handbook 1330.02: Women Veterans Program Manager, May 23, 2012 (Recertification Date: 5/31/2017)
VHA Handbook 1330.03: Maternity Care and Coordination, October 5, 2012 (Recertification Date: 10/31/2017)
VA Women Veterans' Call Center
Call 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) during the Women Veterans Call Center operating hours. The Call Center associates will work your questions and make necessary referrals to include providing your "Women Veterans Program Managers" contact information.
What Health Services are Offered?
By law, VA offers comprehensive health care services to all veterans. However, on-site services may vary from one location to the next for a number of reasons such as veteran demand and medical provider staffing.
See the "Veterans Choice Program: Accessing Care Closer to Home" posted under WomenVetsUSA "Maine Health Care Services" to better understand other possible alternatives when the VA care you need is not available or accessible. For example, if a veteran needs an OB/GYN physician's care and the servicing VA does not have an OB/GYN physician on staff, the VA medical center can consider non-VA care. VA preapproved authorization is required for all non-VA care.
Comprehensive (Physical) Health Care
Comprehensive health care includes primary, specialty, and gender-specific to include reproductive care services. While care is usually provided at a medical center or an outpatient community-based clinic, the VA may also refer patients out for care they do not offer and/or recommend telehealth services when appropriate.
Reproductive Health Specialty Care
Reproductive health care includes maternity care, infertility evaluation and limited treatment; sexual problems, tubal ligation, urinary incontinence, and other services. VA is prohibited by legislative authority from providing in vitro fertilization or abortion services.
MomMoodBooster Program (Postpartum Depression)
By law, "Veterans Health Care Act of 1992," Public Law 102-585, SEC. 106. HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR WOMEN, the VA cannot offer in vitro fertilization (IVF) to wounded veteran or any other veteran families.
Fertility clinics around the nation offer discounted IVF treatment rates for veterans self-funding the procedure. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology provides a "Service to Veterans" list of participating clinics.
The Department of Defense does offer IVF to active duty wounded service member families.
By law, "Veterans Health Care Act of 1992," Public Law 102-585, SEC. 106. HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR WOMEN, the VA cannot offer abortion services to women veterans.
The Department of Defense, since passing the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act which included the Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) amendment, does extend abortion insurance coverage to an active duty pregnant servicewoman whose life is endangered and/or is a victim of rape or incest. Active duty servicewomen no longer have to pay out of pocket for an abortion procedure for the first time since 1981.
Mental Health Care
For more information about Maine VA mental health care, visit the WomenVetsUSA Maine Health Care Services "Mental Health Care" section and the WomenVetsUSA national Health Care Services pages.
Some of the VA mental health services include:
"Make the Connection" Online Resources
Military Sexual Trauma: By law, all care for Military Sexual Assault/Trauma (MSA/MST) is provided at no cost to eligible veterans who experienced MSA/MST while serving on active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty training status.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Vet Centers (Combat Readjustment, Military Sexual Trauma, Bereavement)
Telephone Care
A "Telephone Care" professional is available by phone to answer questions and advise on health concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you are currently enrolled as a VA patient.
Call the Maine VA Medical Center: Call 877-421-8263 or 207-623-8411 and ask to be connected with the 24/7 "Telephone Care" number."
Visit the Online Maine VA Directory/Locator: Find the phone number on the Maine VA home page in the right-hand side menu and call "Telephone Care."
My HealtheVet
My HealtheVet is VA's online personal health record. It was designed for veterans, active duty servicemembers, their dependents, and caregivers. All users who have a Basic Account are able to view their self-entered information. If you are a VA patient, you can upgrade your account to Advanced or Premium which offers other features enabling users to communicate with their providers. For more information about account types and what you can view, visit My HealtheVet Account Types.
My HealtheVet Online Registration
Special Programs
There are also some special programs for women veterans experiencing homelessness, survivors of sexual assault, rape, and harassment, intimate partner violence, and women veterans interested in education and training, employment assistance, and vocational rehabilitation.
Facts: Women Veterans Using VA Services
Profile: Women Veterans Using VA Services
Womens Veterans Health Care Facts & Statistics
National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics
WomenVetsUSA Library History/Heritage Category and Historical Timelines
Outreach Materials: Connecting Women Veterans to VA Health Care
Need posters and brochures for outreach and networking? The VA provides an extensive library for public use at Women Veterans Health Care "Outreach Materials" and "Latest Information Brochures and Publications."
External Website: VA Women Veteran Health Care
Accessing Care Closer to Home: Veterans' Choice Program (Department of Veterans Affairs)
The "Veterans' Choice Program" allows veterans who are already enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care program to receive health care within their community from a non-VA medical facility if time or distance are obstacles for them when health care is needed. Veterans must meet certain criteria to use this program. Using this program does NOT impact existing VA health care or any other VA benefit.
In general, eligible veterans are already enrolled in the VA health care program and:
- have or will be waiting more than 30 days for a medical care appointment, and/or
- live more than 40 miles away from a VA medical care facility, and/or
- face one of several excessive travel burdens.
Important! The following statement, as of April 18, 2016, is noted on this site link. IT IS INCORRECT.
STEP 1
- Veterans must have enrolled by August 1, 2014, OR
- A Combat Veteran who served on active duty in a theater of combat operations discharged in the past 5 years.
Any veteran enrolled in the VA healthcare program regardless of when they enrolled may be eligible to use the "Veterans Choice Program."
Contacts
Maine VA/Togus
Primary: Corey Vail at 207-623-8411, x 6669
Alternate: Corey Wilson 207-623-8411, x6668
Is the "Choice Program" Adversely Impacting Your Credit?
Since the launch of this Congressionally-mandated program, some non-VA community health care providers participating in the "Veterans Choice" program may not have been paid in a timely manner for the services they rendered and consequently, billed the veteran. VA will help you resolve adverse credit reporting and debt collection issues caused by use of the "Choice Program."
For assistance, call 1-877-881-7618 and Press 1 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
External Website: VA Veterans' Choice Program
Durable Medical Equipment: Spurwink ALLTECH
ALLTECH offers a wide range of durable medical equipment--wheel chairs and ramps, walkers, crutches, stair glide system, commodes, tub seats as loaners for those in need. Additionally, they also sell some of their onhand equipment. All equipment is cleaned and sanitized.
This program can assist you or a family member if there is no insurance, you have reached your insurance cap for this type of equipment, or if you simply wish to purchase extra equipment. When you visit them and explain your needs, they'll work with you.
Bangor Office
Airport Mall, 1129 Union Street,
Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: 207.947.9180
Portland Office
901 Washington Ave, Suite 100
Portland, ME 04103
Phone: 207.871.1200
E-Mail: info@alltech-tsi.org
Fax: 207.871.1232
ALLTECH welcomes donated equipment so they can continue to assist those in need.
External Website: Spurwink ALLTECH
Military Sexual Assault: Maine Army/Air National Guard Resources & Contacts
The Maine Army and Air National Guard websites offer information and comprehensive lists of Military Sexual Assault (MSA) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) resources. Maine National Guard, Maine Department of Veterans Affairs, civilian agencies in Maine as well as national hotlines available to Guard men and women are included.
Maine National Guard Contacts and Resources
Maine Army National Guard MSA/MST Resource/Contact List
Maine Air National Guard MSA/MST Resource & Contact List
What Assistance is Available?
Maine National Guard Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC): The SARC serves as the single point of contact to coordinate medical treatment, including emergency care, for victims of sexual assault as well as track the services provided to a victim from the initial report through final disposition and resolution. The SARC also oversees sexual assault awareness, prevention, and response training.
Sexual Assault Victim Advocates: These advocates provide non-clinical crisis intervention, referral and ongoing non-clinical support to adult sexual assault victims. Support will include providing information on available options and resources to victims, provide liaison assis- tance with other organizations and agencies on victim care matters and reports directly to the SARC when performing victim advocacy duties.
Healthcare Personnel: Healthcare staff support victims who make Restricted and Unrestricted Reports of sexual assault. This applies to healthcare providers and persons assisting or otherwise supporting healthcare providers including administrative personnel and mental healthcare personnel.
Military Chaplains: During privileged communication with a chaplain, a victim may choose to disclose a sexual assault. The disclosure will remain confidential, however, the chaplain can help facilitate contact with a SARC or victim advocate to file an official Restricted or Un- restricted Report of sexual assault.
Maine National Guard Websites
Other MSA/MST Resources
For more MSA/MST assistance information, visit:
Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault
National WomenVetsUSA Health Care Services
Research Information
National WomenVetsUSA Library, News, and Media sections as well as Maine News and Media.
External Website: Maine Army National Guard Bureau
Prevention and Wellness Care
Take an active role in staying healthy! When you meet with your health care provider, discuss a personalized adult well-care visit, screenings, and immunizations that will help you prevent disease and improve your health. Being your own best advocate ensures your preventive care schedule reflects your preferences and particular health and risk factors. Schedule time for periodic checkups that just might save your life.
Resources
Maine
Community Wellness Programs Statewide (2-1-1 Maine)
Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program (Free mammograms and Pap tests for qualified women.)
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Prevention
Federal/National
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Women's Health
Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Women's Health
Department of Health and Human Services: Healthy People 2020
Department of Veterans Affairs: Women Veterans Health and Wellness
Department of Veterans Affairs: National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
National Women's Health Resource Center, Inc.
Prevention Services for Women, Children and Adults: Affordable Health Care Act Coverage
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Women's Health
Hospitals/Universities/Colleges
Many hospitals, universities and colleges have libraries, research centers and clinical services dedicated to women's health and disease prevention. Doing an online search by name of a hospital or school and women's health and disease prevention may provide close-to-home resources, services and centers of excellence focused on particular health issues.
National Health Observances (NHOs)
National Health Observances (NHOs) are special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics.
Prosthetics & Sensory Aids & Rehabilitation
Women wounded in recent global war on terrorism military conflicts and the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing raised the public's awareness about the need for research and development of female prosthetic devices which directly contribute to healthy rehabilitation and recovery. There are gender-specific needs requiring prostheses compatible with differing physical, biological, and social demands throughout a woman's lifetime.
A 2013 report written for the VA-supported research organization, Extremity, Trauma, and Amputation Center of Excellence, stated that 226 (2%) of the 12,581 battle-related casualties involving traumatic extremity injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2003 to 2013 were women.
This section is identical to the WomenVetsUSA national "Prosthetics & Sensory Aids" section. Because the field of prosthetics for women is very recently benefitting from emerging technologies and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Innovation Creation Series collaborative 2015 forums giving rise to state-of-the-art prosthetic and assistive devices made for women, this important information is reposted. Visit the briefing and news links below in this section.
VA Rehabilitation & Prosthetics Services
Fact Sheets: VA Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services
There is a wide range of prosthetics and sensory aids veterans may need at some point in their life to better their long-term health and enhance their overall quality of life. Prosthetics and aids include artificial limbs/orthotics, breast forms, home improvement and alterations, automobile adaptive equipment, clothing allowance, durable medical equipment, eyeglasses, hearing aids, home oxygen, wheelchairs and more.
Additionally, advances within rehabilitation services for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and other potentially debilitating health conditions are making life more manageable for many veterans.
For more detailed information on rehabilitation services and specific prosthetic and sensory aids, publications, videos, articles and news, and state contacts, visit the VA Rehabilitation and Prosthetics website and read their fact sheets.
Fact Sheets: VA Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services
Service & Guide Dogs
In 2012, the VA published guidance for hearing and mobility dogs. While VA does not purchase or provide dogs, they do support prescriptions, medical care, equipment to perform specialized tasks, and handler training with new guide/service dogs. VA is working to provide a "pet insurance" to cover the veterinary benefits to make it easier for veterans to access medical care for their dogs. Veterans who have obtained dogs must have approval from a VA medical care provider stating that the dog is an essential part of the treatment plan for the veteran in order to be eligible for the veterinary benefits.
Prosthetic and Sensory Aid Services (PSAS) Working Group
In 2008, the VA established the first-ever women veterans' Prosthetics Working Group. See "Briefings: PSAS for Women Veterans" below for more information.
VHA Directive 1173, Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS)
This directive documents VHA PSAS policy and lists all VHA handbooks implementing their policy.
Reports/Briefings: PSAS for Women Veterans
To learn about VA PSAS and the women veteran Prosthetics Working Group initiatives, see the reports and briefings, "Prosthetic and Sensory Aids for Women Veterans," posted in the WomenVetsUSA Library Prosthetics section.
News/Media: Women's Prosthetics
Recent initiatives are focusing on customizing women's prostheses including cosmesis. Why not accommodations for pregnancy and biological cycles? Painted toe nails? High heels? Sneakers? Blades?
Reshaping unisex, one-size-fits-all prostheses by shaving, carving, and other means of force-fitting oftentimes leads to discomfort, other significant health challenges, self-consciousness, and/or discouragement from wearing them, therefore, adversely impacting quality of life. News about women prostheses is posted in the WomenVetsUSA News and WomenVetsUSA Media sections.
External Website: Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Services
Registries for Military Exposure to Harmful Substances and Hazards
Types of Military Exposures
Veterans, and in some cases their families, may be exposed to harmful substances and hazards that may cause health challenges during their lifetime. Military exposures are listed on the VA Public Health site.
VA Public Health Military Exposures List
Birth Defects
Certain birth defects of veterans' biological children are recognized as associated with qualifying service in Korea and Vietnam. Some of these defects are related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposure and some are not.
VA Public Health Birth Defects in Children of Vietnam and Korea Veterans
Benefits for Veterans' Children with Birth Defects
Registry Exams
Contact your nearest VA Environmental Health Coordinator to schedule a Registry health exam.
Maine VA Environmental Health Coordinator
Janet Orrall
Phone: 207-623-8411, Ext. 5697
E-mail: Janet.Orrall@va.gov
VA Environmental Health Coordinators Locator Directory
External Website: Department of Veterans Affairs
Planning for Care Outside of Home: Maine VA-Certified State & Community-Contracted Veterans Homes
Planning Care in a "Home" Away from Your Home
Millions of veterans each year need nursing home and/or residential care sometime during their lives. A stay at a home may be short- or long-term. Veterans of all ages, with and without combat duty time, may experience aging, end-of-life, disability, or rehabilitation challenges requiring on-site medical and/or non-medical assistance at a licensed facility.
There are a variety of community, state, and federal alternatives to consider, some of which are dedicated to serving only veterans. Some Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-certified and/or VA-contracted homes offer financial and other incentives to veterans.
What Types of Homes May Be Available?
Veterans Administration (VA)-certified and/or VA-contracted Homes. The VA can formally recognize and certify a facility as a:
- State Veterans Home,
- Community Nursing Home,
- Medical Foster Home,
- Community Residential Home, or a
- VA Community Living Center (VA Nursing Home).
Your nearest VA Medical Center Geriatrics and Extended Care office usually maintains a list of these homes. Other organizations may also assist you with a home search.
State Veterans, Community Nursing, Medical Foster, and Community Residential Homes are not VA facilities--they are not managed by VA. However, the VA does inspect and certify them to ensure they continue to meet VA standards. "State Veterans Homes" may apply for VA construction grants for facility improvements.
VA Community Living Centers are VA facilities, usually located on a VA campus and managed by the VA.
Homes in Maine
Maine Veterans' Homes: There are six state veterans' homes in Maine located in Scarborough, South Paris, Augusta, Bangor, Machias, and Caribou. These homes are not VA facilities. They are not managed by VA. However, the VA does inspect and certify them to ensure they continue to meet VA standards and remain eligible for VA funding opportunities. For more information, contact:
Telephone: 1-800-28-9494
E-mail: info@maineveteranshomes.org
Address:
Maine Veterans' Homes
460 Civic Center Drive
Augusta, Maine 04330
Maine Community Nursing Homes: The number and location of Maine VA-contracted Community Nursing Homes fluctuates. These homes are VA-contracted facilities. They are not managed by VA. However, the VA does inspect and certify them to ensure they continue to meet VA standards and remain eligible for VA funding opportunities. A list is attached to this section, but it's best to contact the following office to ensure you are informed of the most current list of homes.
Telephone: 207-623-8411, Ext. 4453
Address:
Maine VA Geriatrics & Extended Care
Building 207, Room 129
1 VA Center
Augusta, Maine 04330
Maine Medical Foster Homes: The number and location of Maine community-based Medical Foster Homes fluctuates. It's best to contact the following office to ensure you receive a current list. These homes are not VA facilities. They are not managed by VA. However, the VA does inspect and certify them to ensure they continue to meet VA standards.
Telephone: 207-623-8411, Ext. 4558
Address:
Medical Foster Home Coordinator
Building 221, Room 102
1 VA Center
Augusta, Maine 04330
Maine VA Community Living Center: The Maine VA has one Community Living Center. This home is a VA-managed facility. For more information, contact:
Telephone: 207-623-8411, Ext. 4453
Address:
Maine VA Geriatrics & Extended Care
Building 207, Room 129
1 VA Center
Augusta, Maine 04330
What Are Some Types of Care Homes May Offer?
- Long-term care includes services offered by a licensed facility that provides general nursing care to those who are chronically ill or unable to take care of daily living needs.
- Short-term care includes services offered by a licensed facility that provides rehabilitation/specialized care to those who are, for instance, discharged from a hospital and in need of recovering from surgery, illness or an accident.
- Residential care includes services offered by a licensed facility that provides supervised care, meals, activities, and health management.
- Respite care is temporary care for a veteran intended to provide time off for their caregiver who attends to their needs on a regular basis. Respite care is typically 14 to 21 days of care per year.
This is not an all-inclusive list. The industry continues to evolve with facilities offering a variety of services.
Shop for a Home: Make Firsthand Comparisons
Go shopping and make firsthand comparisons. Expect the best possible match for yourself through a shared decision process. You, with your caregiver and a home admissions coordinator, will determine what care you need and can financially afford, available home services, and your eligibility based on a home's admission criteria. Whenever possible, it is assuredly less stressful for you and your caregiver when you are not in the midst of a crisis and you're able to be your own spokesperson, communicate your preferences, and plan ahead. There are checklists to guide you through this process.
What Should You Consider?
Your Veteran Status. You must provide your official military discharge form to a home's admission coordinator. Each home and other agencies providing services and financial support publish their unique definition of “veteran.” Some may give admission priority to wartime veterans or to service-connected disabled veterans. Others may specify a “veteran” as someone with only one day of active duty military service for other than training, which opens doors for those who served active, Reserves, and Guard duty. Most require an honorable discharge from military service. Veterans in Veterans Administration (VA)-certified homes may qualify for financial stipends. Additionally, some homes may also consider admissions for veteran spouses. It’s always best to contact the home of interest and talk directly with them about their admission criteria.
Desired Location. If possible, always visit a facility in advance of your final decision. If finances are a concern, you want to know if the home is VA certified or not. Can the facility that interests you meet you and your family’s location proximity preferences and emotional needs while accommodating your residential and/or health care requirements? If not, does the facility offer visitation transportation or electronic family connections through Skype or other computer applications? Your nearest VA Medical Center Geriatrics and Extended Care office can assist you in identifying facilities. Your local area agency on aging and the National Association of State Veteran Homes are also dependable resources.
Capacity for Required Care. Your needs will be assessed as a part of the admissions process to ensure your home of choice can offer what you need and want. Again, expect the best possible match through a shared decision making process. If not satisfied, shop around if you can.
Room Availability. Facilities range in size, number of private and semi-private rooms, and none share a common structural design. Some states have more VA-certified home alternatives than others. Always visit homes as far in advance as possible before making your final decision. By federal law, facilities that participate in the VA construction grant program must serve at least 75% veterans and may serve, if space is available, up to 25% veteran spouses, widows, widowers, and Gold Star parents. Homes with more private rooms usually have more admission flexibility and you are more likely to be admitted at or closer to the time of your need.
Coordination of Care. It’s important to understand a home’s protocol for managing your in-home care, transferring you to other care facilities, and accessing outside mobile health teams and telehealth. If you want to be able to access outside care while at a home of choice, for instance VA services, its best to verify the availability and deliverability of these services from your local VA.
Length of Stay. Veterans may need short- and/or long-term care. Short-term care might mean living at the home 24/7 or attending adult daycare programs. Long-term stays can occur more than once and are not necessarily end-of-life care focused. Homes are diversifying their services to include out-patient physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation services.
Culture Compatibility. You and your caregiver need to carefully identify what is most important to you: person- or staff-directed care, transparency and enforcement of resident rights, an all-veteran setting, ratio of male to female residents and residents to staff, institutional or social concepts and design, VA certification, food preparation, indoor and outdoor activities, volunteers associated with facility, ease of mobility on property, visiting hours, alternative communication opportunities with family and friends (Skype, e-mail, phone), resident safety and security measures, inspection results, and any other priorities you or others identify.
Financial Obligations & Assistance. For most veterans, care is not free and again, costs vary depending on a host of factors, including a veteran's particular circumstances. The home's Admission Coordinator or other staff helps you complete a financial assessment.
Per Diem Payment: Veterans in "VA-certified State Veterans Homes"
Any veteran receiving care in a "VA-certified State Veteran Home" may be eligible for a VA stipend, also referred to as "per diem payment." These payments offset some of the total care costs and vary with the type of care (nursing home/domiciliary/adult day health care) received. VA per diem payment rates change annually by law.
VA Provider Agreement: 70-100% Service-Connected Disabled Veterans Needing Nursing Home Care in a "VA-certified State Veterans Home and/or VA-contracted Home"
A VA/home provider agreement is completed to determine the cost of care. Depending on current law, policy, and rules, it's possible veterans will incur no cost share and their VA disability compensation will not be assessed as a monetary contribution to care.
VA Aid & Attendance Pension: Non-Service Connected Disabled Pension-eligible Veterans, Their Spouses and/or Children in a "Nursing Home or Housebound"
Veterans who meet the following criteria are generally eligible for tax-free VA Aid & Attendance Pension monthly benefits:
- Age 65 or older. If younger than 65, a veteran must be permanently and totally disabled.
- Served during recognized wartime for at least one day.
- Served at least 90 days on active duty. For veterans serving after September 7, 1980, 24 months of active duty service or the full period of service must be completed.
- Income level must be below limits established by Congress.
- Less than the legally-determined amount of assets, which include bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and annuities. Homes, vehicles, and personal property are not counted as assets.
- Need assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
- Complete a medical evaluation from a physician must be completed unless care is provided in a nursing home.
Survivors, a un-remarried spouse and/or unmarried child/children, of a veteran may also be eligible for a tax-free VA Survivor Aid & Attendance (Death) Pension if they meet VA criteria. VA Survivor Aid & Attendance (Death) Pension rates change annually by law.
Remember, eligibility is determined based on your particular life circumstances to include income, assets, health care insurances and programs, and needs. Once you receive a home's financial assessment, consider asking your VA Regional Benefits Office Women Veterans Coordinato (WVC), a VA-accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO), attorney or claims agent to help you determine what VA services and benefits you and/or your family may be eligible for in addition to completing the VA Form 21-527EZ and/or the VA Form 21-534E pension forms if appropriate. The VA Regional Benefits Office Women Veterans Coordinator and VSO services are free. Attorneys and claims agents may charge fees that are capped by law.
Other Resources
National Association of State Veterans Homes
VA Geriatrics and Extended Care
VA Guide to Long-term Services and Supports
Veteran Shared Decision Making Worksheet
Medicare Long-term Care Overview
Medicaid Long-term Care Overview
Department of Health and Human Services Long-term Care Overview
National Institute on Aging: Nursing Homes--Making the Right Choice
National Institutes of Health Long-term Care Overview
Senior Veterans Service Alliance
VA Aid & Attendance and Housebound
VA Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Be Your Own Best Advocate
Women are still expected to live longer with some outliving their children, on average earn significantly less lifetime wages and build less lucrative retirement plans if any, and not infrequently experience housing, health, and food insecurities at some point in their lives.
Give yourself some peace of mind by understanding your veteran benefits. Plan ahead, sooner than later, for caretaking and caregiving in a "home" away from home.
Veterans Aging with Dignity: Geriatric Health Care & Other Elder Care Services
As veterans age, they may experience multiple chronic conditions, life-limiting illness, frailty or disability associated with chronic disease, aging or injury. Health care professionals whose specialty is caring for older adults (geriatrics) can help veterans and their caregivers make appropriate decisions to improve their quality of life.
Many other life challenges--legal, financial, safety, and others--can also adversely impact health. Resolving some of the other issues may improve one's quality of life and ease a caregiver's responsibilities.
At end of life, veterans and their families may choose palliative and hospice care to assist them with ensuring their loved one dies with dignity and respect.
What Kind of Assistance Do You Need?
If possible, discuss your needs with others to include your family caregiver, medical provider, and your social worker or care coordinator. Because it can be difficult to identify available services that might improve the quality of your life, sharing the decision making with others you trust is important.
There are many helpful checklists and guides available to guide everyone through this process.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Veteran Shared Decision Making Worksheet
VA Caregiver Self-Assessment Worksheet
VA Guide to Long Term Services and Support
Affordable Senior Care Directory
Basic Knowledge 101: Caregiving, Eldercare, Aging
National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership
Who Can Help You Find the Right Assistance?
Reach in to the many community, state, and federal agencies available to assist aging adults, their families, and caregivers.
Federal/State
Fact Sheet: VA Serves Senior Veterans
Maine VA Geriatrics and Extended Care
Department of Health and Human Services: Eldercare Locator
Medicare Senior Health Directory
National Institutes of Health: Healthy Aging Directory & Library
Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services
Community
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Aging Life Care Association: Consumer Resources
A Sibling's Guide to Caring for Aging Parents
Family Care Navigator: Maine Help for Family CaregiversAging Life Care Resource Library
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Formalizing Your Health Care Wishes
Just having a written advance directive, for instance a living will and/or durable power of attorney, will not in and of itself ensure your wishes will be fulfilled. To ensure your end-of-life health care wishes are understood and respected involves much personal reflection and continued communication between you and those you choose to make decisions on your behalf before a crisis occurs.
Health Care Advance Planning Toolkit (What to Consider)
Health Decision Resources (Forms, Links, and More)
My Health Care Wishes: An Advance Directive Manager App
Be Alert for Elder Abuse, Exploitation, and Fraud
What Is It?
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
- Abuse: Abuse may be emotional, physical, and/or sexual as well as neglect.
- Exploitation: Exploitation includes illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property, or assets.
- Fraud: Fraud includes identity theft and internet, check, credit card and prescription fraud crimes.
Who Can Help You?
There are many agencies available to help you when you suspect or know that elder abuse, fraud, and/or exploitation have occurred.
Financial Crimes Against the Elderly
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly
National Adult Protective Services Association
National Center on Elder Abuse
End of Life Care
Ensuring a veteran is as comfortable as possible at the end of life can be offered through palliative and hospice care. Both are "comfort care" in which patients receive medications, day-to-day care, equipment, bereavement counseling, and symptom treatment are administered through a single program. Where palliative care programs and hospice care programs differ greatly is in the care location, timing, payment, and eligibility for services.
Palliative Care
Although palliative care can be given at home, it is most often given in an institution such as a hospital, extended care facility, or nursing home that is associated with a palliative care team.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is referred by a veteran's physician when a patient generally has less than six months to live. Usually, a hospice care program is administered in the home by a team of hospice professionals. Family often assist as they can. Hospice can provide round-the-clock care in a nursing home, a specially equipped hospice facility, or a hospital, but this not the norm.
The Maine VA opened a 12-bed hospice unit in June 2011.
Contact
Maine VA Hospice and Palliative Care
Phone: 207-623-8411 Ext. 5663
Fax: 207-623-5771
Other Resources
Family Member (Spouse, Child or Parent) and Survivor Services
Veteran family members--spouse, child or parent--may find assistance through federal and state government programs as well as community-based initiatives. There are federal, state, and community resources to contact and inquire about what services are currently available. The very few listed here will get a veteran family member started with their search for assistance.
VA Services
VA Benefits for Veterans' Spouses, Dependents, and Survivors provides links to compensation, education and training, employment services, health care, home loans and housing-related assistance, life insurance, pension and memorial benefits.
Fact Sheet: Spouses, Dependents, & Survivors
Under certain circumstances, veteran family members may be eligible for VA health care benefits. Some of these services might include:
- Bereavement Counseling
- CHAMPVA (Civilian Health and Medical Program)
- Children Born with Spina Bifida (Vietnam / Korea Veterans)
- Children of Women Vietnam Veterans (CWW)
- Coaching into Care
- Mental Health
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Readjustment Counseling
- VA Canteen Service
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit generally payable to a surviving spouse, child, or parent of servicemembers who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training or survivors of veterans who died from their service-connected disabilities.
DIC for parents is an income-based benefit.
Eligibility Criteria and Application
State Services
State Department of Veterans Affairs Office Directory
Community Services
National Military Family Association
Easter Seals Military and Veteran Community Services & Support
Legislation
If interested in caregiver-related legislation, visit the WomenVetsUSA national "Laws" and "Tracking Legislation" pages.
Caregiver Services
In the past decade, the challenges caregivers assisting disabled veterans face gained much-needed attention in Congress. Laws were passed to support caregivers who offer disabled veterans care, oftentimes in a home rather than a health care institution. There are federal, state and community resources to contact and inquire about what services are currently available. The very few listed here will get a veteran caregiver started with their search for assistance.
VA Services
Caregiver Services Contacts
Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
Caregiver Services
VA also has a number of services designed specifically to support family caregivers. Services include a support line and coordinators to assist with identifying VA programs that may help with veteran care and caregiver support. Some of these programs include:
- VA Caregiver Support Program
- Caregiver Resources
- CHAMPVA Caregiver Resources
- Dementia Caregivers
- Family Caregivers of Post 9/11 Veterans
- Fisher Houses
- HIV Caregivers
- Homemaker & Home Health Aides
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Long Term Care
- Multiple Sclerosis/ALS Caregivers
- Polytrauma / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Caregiver Support
- Respite Care
- Stroke Caregivers
Other resource information: http://www.caregiver.va.gov/resources_landing.asp
Post 9/11 (Iraq & Afghanistan) Veteran Caregivers
Laws were passed offering specific services to caregivers of post 9/11 (Iraq and Afghanistan) veterans. Veterans need to be enrolled in VA health care to be considered for this program.
Fact Sheet: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Application for Caregiver Assistance: VA Form 10-10CG
State Services
Community Services
National Military Family Association
National Respite Network and Resource Center
National Center on Caregiving: Family Caregiver Alliance
Easter Seals: Military and Veterans Caregiver Training Services
Wounded Warrior Program Post 9/11 Veteran Family & Caregiver Support
Legislation
If interested in more caregiver-related legislation, visit WomenVetsUSA "Veterans Aging with Dignity" in the national "Health Care Services" section, Laws and Tracking Legislation pages.
External Website: Department of Veterans Affairs