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« on: September 02, 2010, 12:05:56 PM » |
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My mother is a WWII vet. She has received VA medical care for decades. She is now 80 years old. In 2007, she became ill and has never recovered her mental faculties. She lives with me in my home, and is a total care patient. She is not going to recover. She has no assets, and her income is SS and SSI. Her countable income is thus about $5,000/year. She is not married.
I sent for my mother's DD214, but as I understand it, that didn't exist during her service time, the 40's...and anyway, the record hall burned down, and they sent a letter explaining that, and offering to hunt around until they found something for her. Unfortunately, they want her to sign the form authorizing it. She can't possibly do that. I thought I would just sign it as her daughter and send it off.
Or, can I go to the VA and get something from them directly, since she is already recognized as a vet? Or, do I just refer them to their own records? I read somewhere that a "Statement of Service" could be used, but I don't know what that would look like. Have you ever heard of someone writing to the VA and requesting a statement of service based on existing info in a medical record? I don't even know if I could get that due to HIPAA law. I'm kind of stuck in the starting chute.
My father, deceased, was a vet, and my stepfather was also a vet, but so is my Mom. I don't know how she originally qualified, although I think it was on her own. What do you think I should do? (I am also handicapped in not knowing exactly her dates of service and exactly at what facilities she served.)
To make it a little more complicated, my mother was well, underaged, when she enlisted...like, 13 or 14 years old. This has never been a problem. Do you think it will become one?
My mother cannot sign even an X. She can't sign any checks to me as a caregiver. She couldn't sign anyone's care contract. I have been her surrogate since 2007. I have become her Representative Payee for social security, and that is how I pay her bills and buy her things she needs. But my Mom can't sign, and it's pretty obvious. I don't know what to do about a care contract between she and I. Any suggestions? Can I submit a one-sided "this is what I do/will do for her" type of document?
Another question is: I do some things on one level for her, and then other times I have to do higher level nursing care for her. What type of rate would apply? I have read on this forum to pick a local prevailing rate, but for a HHA, LVN, or RN? I am an RN, but I am not able to work as much as desired, due to caring for my mother, which is a way hard thing to do. What is your opinion?
Thank you for your time and patience. I really enjoy reading your forum. Paying attention, hoping for the best.
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