Dear Advocate:

Both my parents are World War II veterans. My dad has Parkinson’s and my mom is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. I’ve been caring for both of them at home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for two years. I’m exhausted! and I don’t know what to do anymore. Is there any help for me from the VA? I don’t want to put them in a home, but I don’t think I can do this much longer without a break.

Respite Needed NOW

Dear Respite Needed:

Your parents would likely qualify for some VA home care benefits. The Veteran’s Affairs (VA) has a “VA Caregiver Support” Program. Their helpline operates Monday-Friday 8am-11pm ET and Saturday 10:30am-6:00 ET. The helpline offers information about services available to your parents from the VA, such as VA Aid and Attendance benefits that can help pay for home care. They can also put you in contact with a Caregiver Support Coordinator. The VA’s Caregiver Support Line’s toll free phone number is 1-855-260-3274 or visit them on the web at: http://www.caregiver.va.gov/