I’ve seen several articles lately about returning disabled vets, and a number of them highlight the struggles their families have, adjusting to their disability. Unfortunately I haven’t seen any organized support given to these parents. Undoubtedly these parents will have the same questions, concerns, and need for support that other parents with disabilities need. Hopefully the Veterans Administration will develop a way to diseminate information to these newly disabled parents.
Family works to help soldier with debilitating illness
The Nowlands continue to live their lives as normally as possible, but they say they have had to give up much of what they once took for granted. For Liz, life has become a balancing act, trying to fulfill her duties as a housewife, mother and caretaker. Nowland said her requests for home health care have been turned down because of VA cuts that allow home health visits only for short-term medical situations, not the long-term care Nowland is facing. Nowland is no longer able to get on the floor and wrestle with his kids or do his yard work. Liz rarely leaves the house except to do errands or pick up her daughter from school.
In this case, the problems are far worse. The VA refuses to pay for attendant care, and Mr. Nowland’s wife is left providing all his attendant care. Mr. Nowland should be receiving a pension for attendant care, but his prospects of finding legal assistance are slim. He probably cannot afford to pay hourly for an attorney, and there are no legal fees in recovery against the VA. After serving our county, Mr. Nowland acquires a disability and is on a fast track to a nursing home, and probably a VA one far from his home.
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