On March 18, 2011, I met with Congressman Jerry McNerney regarding “Veterans & Senior Disability Rights.” Because of a glaring flaw in the Federal system, I am now actively working with Honorable Congressman Jerry McNerney in the hope of Congress and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) passing a law that would make the Veterans Administration responsible for protecting disabled veterans’ decisions about the appointment of a fiduciary representative in the event of their disability.
My father was a decorated veteran who earned a purple heart in Korea. This entitles him to veteran’s disability benefits. Once my father’s medical needs increased beyond the scope of my abilities, I placed him in a private care facility. The monthly expenses continued to increase as his medical needs increased. Only through a combination of social security benefits, Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits, and paying cash out of pocket, did I manage to pay for his care.
The financial need to care for our parents will only increase as our parents are living longer, but not necessarily healthier, with different medical and health concerns. Please help me by getting involved with Congress to help protect our disabled veterans and seniors in the event of their disability.
I explain everything you need to know about these issues in full detail, along with other important information covering the financial, legal and emotional necessities of aging and end-of-life issues, in my upcoming book Why Wait? The Baby Boomers’ Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially and Legally for a Parent’s Death which is coming out Nov 15, 2011. Be sure to subscribe to this blog to receive regular helpful tips, and news of the upcoming book release.
You can also download a free Medical Check List by clicking this link.
And please do leave a comment below. I would love to hear about your personal story or experiences on this topic.
Carolyn A. Brent, M.B.A., is a former clinical educational manager in the pharmaceutical industry. During her role as a panelist on many clinical studies, she developed a passion to inform the public about the many side effects of drugs, especially those used in the care of the elderly. When her own father became ill with dementia in 1997, she began to experience firsthand the frustration of not only coping with the medical world, but also the legal, financial, and, of course, emotional aspects of caring for her aging father. Today, Carolyn is an avid activist and advocate working with the U.S. Congress for the purpose of creating change to protect seniors and veterans from financial and medical abuse. She has appeared on many local and national TV and radio shows, and is a sought-after keynote speaker. She resides in Northern California.
Her book Why Wait? The Baby Boomers’ Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially and Legally for a Parent’s Death is coming out Nov 15, 2011.
