Eastern Washington Task Force helps

Eastern Washington Veterans Task Force marks 40 years of help

Organization provides help, ideas

The Eastern Washington Veteran Task Force, or EWVTF, was started over 40 years ago to provide a forum for the many veteran service organizations and veteran support groups to share ideas and find hope and help for veterans in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

They are all about people, programs and services that focus on serving veterans in our local community.

Members meet on the second Wednesday of every month at different places in the community, usually at a restaurant setting so people can meet, greet and eat.

At every meeting guests get updated on the latest program and benefit changes as well as sharing story of success or frustration, hoping to learn new paths to hope and help for veteran clients and customers.

This is a valuable resource tool when you’re in the business of helping veterans. It seems you often come across those with that individualized “unique’ need and you’re not quite sure how to solve it. One can simply send out a group

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE EASTERN WASHINGTON VETERANS TASK FORCE

email to the listed members and then wait for a response since it starts this instant collaboration among the members about ways to help any veteran.

If you would like to get involved all you have to do is check the group’s Facebook page for information on the next meeting or contact by email at ewveteranstaskforce@gmail. com.

At the meeting you can introduce yourself and your agency, program, or service, and get signed up on the group email list so you can receive notifications.

You can go on Facebook to sign up under “EWVTF” Group and get notices that way. Come join us! (Editor’s note: EWVTF was one of the lead organizations that helped get State Route 902 designated as the “Gold Star Memorial Highway.” Thanks for this and all you do!)

Care options include VA nursing homes, assisted living, home health care

As a veteran, you may be able to get assisted living, residential (live-in), or home health care through VA.

What kinds of long-term care services does VA offer for sick or disabled veterans?

•24/7 nursing and medical care •Physical therapy •Help with daily tasks (like bathing, dressing, making meals, and taking medicine) •Comfort care and help with managing pain •Support for caregivers who may need skilled help or a break so they can work, travel, or run errands

You can get this care in many different settings – some run by VA and others run by state or community organizations that we inspect and approve.

Care settings may include: •Nursing homes •Assisted-living centers • Private homes where a caregiver supports a small group of individuals •Adult day health centers •Veterans’ own homes

How do I access these services?

You may be able to use one or more of these services if you meet all of the requirements listed below: •You’re signed up for VA health care, and •The VA concludes that you need a specific service to help with your ongoing treatment and personal care, and •The service (or space in the care setting) is available near you

Other factors may be considered, like your service-connected disability status or insurance coverage.

To find out how to access these services, contact your VA social worker. Or, call the tollfree hotline at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.8 p.m. ET.

If you’re not currently in the VA health care program, you can apply for benefits now.

Apply now www.va.gov/ health-care/how-to-apply/

Does VA pay for these services?

It can cover some of these services under your standard health benefits if you’re signed up for VA health care. You may still need to pay a copay for some covered services.

Apply for VA health care www.va.gov/health-care/howto-apply/

Other services aren’t covered under VA health care benefits. For these services, you may be able to pay through Medicaid, Medicare, or your own private insurance.

Learn more about paying for long-term care at www.va.gov/ GERIATRICS/pages/making_ decisions.asp

Where can I get more information and support?

Get help setting goals and priorities and making tough decisions about things like longterm care.

Find services and resources to help with geriatric (elder) and long-term care.

Find services www.va.gov/ geriatrics/guide/longtermcare/ Locate_Services.asp

Get more information about geriatric and long-term care as well as how to deal with diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Visit the geriatrics section of VA.gov www.va.gov/Geriatrics/ Have more questions? See the “How can I get help?” section on page 5 of this publication.