My dad is a Veteran of Vietnam, he is in the point of he lie where he really needs to see a dotor about his health...regarding his heritage, diabetes and blood pressure and some serious dental work too.  I am really worried for him.  He is a very hard worker, and won't just take a min for himself, he is always about helping others first and work work work.... He rally needs a break, he was self employed most of his life dealing with asbestos training people to remove it properly, and actually doing it himself too... years ago they didn't have the safety they have now to deal with that stuff properly, he has no health insurance and can't afford any really.  So what i am asking is there anyone out there that knows who I can talk to about the VA hospitals  about getting him covered by the VA or something... don't they get benefits, or some sort of assistance... I am worried that they won't help because he wasn't injured in the military...its just his health... Please Anyone????
216015
You can contact the VA, If your father was on the ground in Vietnam he is elligble for disability and medical care if he has diabetis. See links below.  You do need a DD-214 and asdditional proof he was on the ground in Vietnam.
99125
Just a personal point. Do not rush your choice on which facility you place your family member in.Do your research.Make sure you visit the facility and try talk to people who have had family their. Watch how the staff interact with residents and check with your ministry of health and long term care to see if the facility has had complaints or violations.It is difficult enough to have to make this decision. My family had to face this decision and were not given enough time  when we picked a place for our father.We had a choice of a place 15 minutes away we could visit frequently and another about 1 1/2 hours away. It was heartbreaking to see what our father endured.We put our concerns in writing and set up meetings to try have issues addressed.Chronic bed shortages made relocation a nightmare.Do not be dismayed though. You would think that since the government licenses these places the re would be a uniform standard of care.NOT TRUE.There are good nursing homes out there with caring staff and good programs. Our family did not have the luxary of time to research a place. It is my one regret  that my dad died  surrounded by people who didn't care. Good luck to you and don't sign until you feel it is your best choice. been there, I know
311169
Yes I agree...Veterans system is in bad shape today, there is a lot of work to be done with that system.  I do not like to hear when my fellow troops come home and have to shell out money to pay for medical bills for injuries they received while serving.  It is like saying thanks for what you done but now you deal with the consequences.  I hope the government get the picture and help out our vets who have done so much for all of us...protect freedom
259414
I have had a devastating illness in the family. I am a Citizen. I did NOT receive help for my son. Just a kiss off. The programs are bloated with people who should NOT even qualify but by false documentation or the rules of that state of not being ALLOWED to ask if they are legal citizens take away from the LEGAL CITIZENS who have paid into the system for years. I know I am blessed my son is still alive there are sooooo many others who have lost their child through inadequate medical care due to money constraints.
112861
Im sorry to hear about that too.  Im about to lose everything too.  My dad doesn't have much money, or his drivers license, or anyone to watch my lil brothers.  My mom just left for another man, and she pays most of the bills in the house.  So i guess im about to experience what you've been experiencing. But anyways, homegurlz right.  Dr.Phil or Oprah aint going to help you any.  They are way to buissy with their television and stuff.  But never give up hope gurl. So here is the number to Dr. Phil if you want to know, (323.461.PHIL ).  You have to leave your name and your number and a message.  Sorry about your dad too.  I hope he really gets to see his Grandchildren.  If you live around your aunts, uncles, cousins or anybody, ask them to take you and your boys to your dads house.  They might be willing to help out, you never know.
472993
The truth is, that now that you have more veterans than ever, the government just can't afford to treat them. There's even rumours that soldiers returning from war are misdiagnosed to be more healthy than they are in order to save money.\n\nI don't know why you'd insinuate that the Rs would drive for a better healthcare for veterans- as I understand it, wasn't it in their policy to abolish state paid medical treatment altogether
410065
My heart goes out to you and your family. I've been married to the same wonderful man for thirty-one years. Twice prior to my knowing him he tried to kill himself. Since we have been together he has made 4 more attempts on his life. I don't know where you are from but most places have mental health assocations. They can help you to understand medications, patiants rights. For my husband I am his health care rep. when he can't speak-up for himself I have the legal right to do this . I got him to give me power of attorney so I can deal with his disabilty money and all the red tape that goes along with it. Your Mom's illness if she does have Bi-polar suicide is attempts can be a part of her illness. It is a long hard road and you need to seek help yourself so you can stay healthy enough to be an assistance in getting her the help she needs. There are support groups for families going thru what we both are. When my husband gets what I call imbalanced with his medicine it takes me giving him his meds. because he gets confused about days and times to take them. As we both turn 50 this year it seems like second nature to us to deal with his illness. His last attempt to take his life was last November. He was missing for 2days before he was found in a coma in our truck at a reststop we use to stop at a lot. It was very sad, I still am seeing a counslor myself to deal with learning who I am outside of his illness. Be careful not to become so involed you stop living like I have at times
132195
I can assure you that this was one of the first things he discussed with his doctor. Have you told him about your worries? Talk to his (or your) doctor about it if he's sensitive but I'm sure you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The only way it could would be if he still had a serious spinal injury, and then he'd still be in the hospital. This video should help allay your worries... and no, it's not a dirty movie boys, it's a documentary article.
592230
You bet. The government already is lax in medical care for vets.\nAnd it's not so much physical care as it is mental health care. these guys are seeing their friends blown to bit, shot in the head, but the military thinks that doesn't affect the human mind. hell, serving in peace time is enough to screw someone up for life. I'm still pissed at a chief who made me stand a double watch the night before i was to go into surgery. Bastards.
390305
well i agree they should get more...but a great alternative is the disabled american veteran's van program. it is a free ride to and from the va hospital for any vet. all you have to do is call your nearest dav and they will help you arrange it!
575543
This happened a few years ago.\nI was in the army and overseas in korea.  I went to sick call because I had injured my ankle while running.  So the doc gave a look at it and gave me some pain meds and a wrap for it.  Then he proceeded to ask me a few random heath questions.  What do you eat? When do you sleep? ect..  So he asked "do you smoke?"  I answered "Yes, occassoinally".  so he asked "would you be interested in quiting?"  I said, "well I don;t really consider my self addicted so, no I am not interested in your program to help quit".  He persisted, "you know that smoking can cause lots of health problems, and may shorten your life".  So being the person I am I answered with" well I always figured I will die at the end of my life".  His responce was" if you keep smoking you might die before then".  to which I replied " no sir, I don't think thats possible." :)
598792
That state of the health care system is beyond comprehension until one has witnessed or experienced it firsthand. I am so sorry for this situation. There are many things you can do to advocate for the patient's rights to care. I will research some information for you and send it through the contact system. All the best.
525094
if you have the money you could hire someone just to do odd jobs for you and sometimes when people are ill with cancer the cancer society will take them to all their appts. and all you have to do is call the society in your town and fill out a form..they will also help you to get medicine and whatever you need for your father..I know because my father had liver cancer and we live in a very small town and they helped us..he only lived 6 months..it is hard when we have elderly parents and we have no help, and we have our own problems..medicare and social services may be able to direct you to some help or hospice could help you if your parent is terminal..there is help out there you just have to look for it...call the hospice center and they can direct you even if he is not terminal...good luck I know your pain and i have two sisters who would not help at all when Dad was dying...and i have muscular dystrophy...so i understand!!!....////////
586214
I definately agree with you, they should see their physician. But HOLD ON! before you start going against them, you also have to see the medical insurance is very high, and it is NOT going to STOP! it will geek on going higher. The reason I said this is almost HALF of all the people in America does NOT have Health Insurance. Right there, thats serious. Plus they have to pay certain amount just to get a visit to their clinic(If the have insurance) if they DON'T have insurance, they should go to webmd.com. That site is very good. But yes, i do agree with you on shortnessof breath. that is an exception as well as heart related symptoms. Getting some answers here helps them get some feed back on what are some possible causeof their pain. if it was VERY serious (physiologically) then they wouldn't be able to type their question in the first place, instead they would dial 911. But I applaud you for bringing this question(Yes, it is a serious question).
181861
I don't think they should have to stop with the non-military  fund raisers,but I do think they don't take care of the veterans like they are supposed to. I know alot of vets that have been treated at veteran hospitals and they did not get the care they needed.My Grandfather and father are fust two of them.I think the veteran hospitals should have the fund raisers but then have someone that will actually put the money back ino the hospital like it should be.
435308
I am in the same shape as that man due to post traumatic stress. It took a long while for me to get help but recently I went to a phsychiatrist. I think if at all possible you should try and get him to talk to a professional. I had to get to the bottom of what was pissing me off before I could give up the drink and its working. The drinking is jsut Self medication on his part for the depression but you have to convinvce him that with talking and newer medication his quality off life will be better than as a part time drunk "with or without you in it". Peace be with you, Uncle B
132769
It sounds like something is out of whack. I know it can be hard to convince someone to go to the doc...but he needs to. Does he check his blood sugar at home? If so, you need to make sure hes checking it and that its doin ok. About his mouth-that doesn't sound right...he needs to go back and speak with the dentist or something because being a diabetic he has got to be able to eat. My father in law is also diabetic..pretty advanced and he has all sorts of "episodes" like falling, weakness, scrambled thoughts, mood swings and fatigue. Diabetes kills so don't worry about being "pushy" or whatever, tell him its for his health, his future so he needs to not wait and just go make sure everything is ok. Good Luck to you!