Can a CNA do this? I have seen the paperwork for this VA benefit but still unsure who can fill out the paperwork for the caregiver part. I have someone who I would like to use that I have started hiring privately, she is a licensed CNA and would be the one to give long-term care. Or does it have to be a agency? Lots of questions about this part of process and thought someone on here might have went through this process. I have been taking care of 91 yr old grandmother for 4 years but since she had stroke approx. 2 months ago she needs such a higher level of care that I need respite help, higher level of care is because needs observation or assist for all transfers and cannot help at all preparing her own meals and some memory and communication problems. From everything I have researched she has probably been eligible for this benefit for last 4 years but I did not have so much need for time away, now it is essential. Please help if you know anything at all about this, especially the part about establishing care and who can do that part of paperwork so VA is satisfied. Thank you
There was a good thorough description of basic VA benefits by an elder law attorney in the post titled:
"Can my father-in-law get Veterans benefits if he was a World War 2 vet?" https://www.agingcare.com/questions/veterans-benefits-if-world-war-two-veteran-168006.htm
It's in the Money & Legal\VA\Questions\ subforum here.
It does somewhat address Aid & Attendance.
After dealing with the VA for years, and finding that (a) the routes to getting help can be circuituous, (b) which forms and data are necessary aren't always clear, and (c) this can be a frustrating process.... I would suggest calling the VA directly. The Help Resource Center at 877.222.8387. I've done this repeatedly.
Or as suggested in the referenced post, contact your county to find out if they have a VA office that assists in document preparation. They don't have to prepare the documentation for you, but they likely would be able to address the signature question. Our office here has been quite helpful and has even volunteered to help free of charge with document preparation.
Hopefully these links can remain in after posted as I think they would also help:
A&A site: http://www.veteranaid.org/apply.php. See the section with a link for "Physician Statement" to be downloaded.
I didn't download the form, so I haven't seen it. But from what I'm inferring, a doctor would have to complete the paperwork, which makes sense, because the VA would want validation from a qualified medical person, probably at a higher level than a CNA.
If you have any type of guardianship over your grandmother, you might be able to sign some of the other documentation, but I would really call the VA for this situation as you don't want to prepare the paperwork only to learn that the VA won't accept your signature.
We haven't gone through this yet (it's on the list of things to do) so I don't know how determination is made who can provide the care. I only personally know of one other person who tried to get A & A, the wife of a deceased veteran, but her application wasn't accepted because of income issues.
And don't forget to check the total assets guidelines; your grandmother might be qualified by income levels, but the VA does in fact use total assets as a determining factor as well.
Good luck.