Veterans' Corner: Family caregivers crucial to needs of veterans

Monday, January 4, 2016 - 3:55pm

Family Caregivers provide crucial support in caring for our Nation’s Veterans by allowing them to stay in the homes and communities they defended, surrounded by the loved ones they fought for. Caregivers in a home environment can enhance the health and well-being of Veterans under VA care.

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers has allowed VA to provide additional supports and services to Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.

In order for the Veteran to be eligible, the Veteran must have incurred or aggravated a serious injury (including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder) in the line of duty, on or after September 11, 2001. Because of the qualifying serious injury, the Veteran must require another person (a caregiver) to assist the Veteran with the management of personal care functions required in everyday living. The serious injury must render the Veteran in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months based on a clinical determination that takes into account various factors.

In order to be a caregiver, the caregiver must be at least 18 years of age. The caregiver must be the Veteran’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, step-family member, or extended family member; or someone who lives with the Veteran full time. Prior to approval, the caregiver will be provided with training and must be able to demonstrate the ability to assist the Veteran with personal care functions required in everyday living. Our office can assist with the application for this program.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license. We can also issue Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Joe Wright if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email. There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents. To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms. You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com/vets.

Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call (559)852-2669; or e-mail joe.wright@co.kings.ca.us.