Although you deserve credit, society often overlooks caregivers’ vital role in keeping the elderly healthy. Providing care for your loved one can be a highly rewarding experience, but it can also take a toll on your personal health and well-being. These government resources every caregiver should know about can help relieve some of the weight and stress you’re experiencing.
Medicare
You’re probably familiar with Medicare part A (hospital insurance) and part B (medical insurance), but there’s more you and your loved one might benefit from. If the person you’re caring for is over 65 and collects Social Security retirement benefits, you might also be able to take advantage of part D.
This part covers prescription drugs, as Medicare pays private insurance companies to help cover the cost of the drugs. Medicare benefits can help you save a substantial amount on medical care and necessary prescription drugs.
The Administration on Aging (AoA)
The Administration on Aging (AoA) oversees national services and programs to help the elderly, including legal assistance, counseling, elder-abuse prevention, and care planning. The AoA also runs organizations that provide in-person assistance for accessing these benefits and services. The professionals who run these organizations are well-informed regarding the many resources available for caregivers and seniors.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
If the person under your care is a military veteran or the spouse of a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides helpful benefits. Veterans have access to healthcare, pensions, disability compensation, long-term care, and other valuable advantages.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Although your loved one probably receives Social Security benefits, they might qualify for a higher monthly income. If their benefits come from working a low-paying job in the past and it’s their only income source, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) might be able to provide more funds to supplement their income.
Aside from the government resources every caregiver should know about, you can also consider hiring a company for long-distance medical transportation. Our team at TransMedCare is here to help with all of your long-distance nonemergency medical transport needs and save you the stress of transporting the patient.
Your duty as a caregiver is to provide the best possible care to the patient, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. Seeking organizations and programs to help you and your loved one is one of the best things you can do to maintain their health and well-being as well as your own.
