OGJVAMC Helps Veteran Caregivers
Alan and Jerri Dementer
Jerri Dementer of Rapid River, Michigan, has been caring for her husband and high school sweetheart, Alan Dementer, since 2003 when he encountered a severe firefight in Iraq. As a Marine Corp medic he saved many lives, and his heroic actions earned him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Unfortunately, he sustained serious injuries from a mortar attack that has made each day a struggle. Dealing with constant pain, physical disadvantages and emotional challenges has led to significant life adjustments.
Fortunately, one night Jerri was browsing the internet and came across the VA Caregiver Support website. Curious and hopeful, Jerri submitted her application. Soon after, she received a call from Kathleen Wahoviak, the Caregiver Support Coordinator at OGJVAMC.
Jerri is now one of eighteen Caregivers in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin that receive both financial support through monthly stipends and emotional support through the VA health care network. Specialized training helps Jerri understand what she and her husband are going through, and free counseling is available if the need ever arises.
“The monthly stipend recognizes that the Caregiver often has to give up a job or at least go to part time to care for their Veteran,” said Wahoviak. “Sometimes the hardest part is thinking that you are alone,” said Jerri. “I now know that is not true. Caregiver Support has made such a difference in my life; I have a support system at the VA.”
“My goal is to educate Veterans and Caregivers on the program, spread the word, and assist qualified applicants in receiving the support they deserve,” said Wahoviak.
Veterans eligible for the VA’s Caregiver Support Program are those who sustained a serious physical or psychological injury in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Other criteria that need to be met include the inability to perform one or more activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, etc.), need for supervision or protection, and determination by the VA that the injury is connected to the Veteran’s military service. Caregivers of Veterans of other eras are also eligible for the same benefits except for monthly stipends and health care for the Caregiver. “I don’t know what I would be doing right now if it weren’t for the help my husband and I have been provided thanks to the VA,” said Jerri.
Veterans and their Caregivers interested in this program should call 1-800-215-8262, extension 32506, or visit www.caregiver.va.gov.
