Uncovering the Best Kept-Secrets for Disabled American Veterans
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The US Military Veterans laid down their lives for us. They maintained honor and integrity when all hell was breaking loose around them. They went without sleep, sustenance or seeing their own families so we could be safe with ours. They came back from active duty to a country that often times forgets to even say “thank you for your service.”
Lesser-Known Disabled American Veterans’ Benefits
There are some wonderful organizations that are serving our military personnel that many vets do not know are here for them.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
The DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has been assisting veterans since 1920. The DAV is dedicated to empowering vets to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.
They accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them. They fight for the interests of our injured heroes on Capitol Hill, educate the public on the sacrifices and needs of veterans and assist those soldiers who are transitioning back to civilian life.
Because our vets are used to sacrificing for others, they often times refuse benefits or assistance they have already earned. It’s common for them to say, “someone else is worse off than I am, so let them have the benefits.” This in itself is causing a dilemma for all military families!
If our veterans do not access and use the benefits, they have coming to them, when they pass away, their spouse and children will never receive access to those benefits. If our soldiers do not accept the benefits and help offered to them, the powers that be will start cutting the benefits, thinking that no one needs them or wants them anyhow!
One big change that is worth noting is this: years ago, if a vet had physical or emotional challenges that were service-related, they used to be the ones who had to prove this to the VA. (Nothing like adding insult to injury – literally!) But the tables have turned, and now it’s on the VA to prove that the soldier’s disability is NOT service-related.
One can imagine how difficult, disappointing and draining it was on our vets to have to prove they were hurting and why. Many will be glad to know that things are changing for the better!
Veterans have been helping fellow soldiers with various challenges. The DAV has Department Service Officers (DSO) who provide free assistance to vets of all generations to obtain VA and other government benefits earned through service.
These DSOs provide counseling on but not limited to education, healthcare, pension, survivor benefits, disability compensation and employment rights. The DSOs help prepare forms and assist veterans in assembling evidence they may need to support claims.
They connect service injured vets to job training and assistance programs. They fight for the rights of veterans, provide emergency grants, and help homeless vets with food, shelter, medical care and counseling.
Here is just one of the many victories the DAV has helped bring to pass. The DAV Resources are all-encompassing. No veteran should be expected to navigate the VA paperwork and challenges of life all alone. Local offices can be found here.
Oxnard Family Circle
Another best-kept secret is the Oxnard Family Circle. They have been serving veterans since 2002. Their mission is to help seniors and disabled citizens remain as independent and healthy as possible in the most cost-efficient way.
As a licensed Adult Day Healthcare Center (or CBAS), this organization acts as an extension of your family. Not only do they work with your doctor and social workers, but they also provide many wonderful services such as:
- Transportation to and from your home or location to their center.
- Two meals cooked and served at the Oxnard Family Circle.
- Activities for veterans and seniors designed to entertain, stimulate, and encourage socialization.
- They follow your physician’s medical plan.
- They provide a skilled nursing staff.
- Pain management through massage therapy, stretching, upper body exercises, modified yoga, and other methods of therapy.
- Shower services for the elderly and disabled.
- Physical rehabilitation.
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia care.
- Immediate emergency medical attention.
As part of their Adult Day Care Services, they offer therapy and monitoring of the following conditions per your doctor’s requirements:
- Physical and mental disabilities.
- Speech and swallowing impairment.
- Congestive heart failure monitoring.
- Post-heart attack and stroke care.
- Diabetic care.
- Other disabilities and illnesses.
Since 2002 they have been serving elderly, disabled and Veterans of Ventura County who live in Oxnard, Camarillo, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Santa Paula, Fillmore and Ventura.
Who Pays for Disabled American Veterans’ Programs?
Services are covered for Qualified Veterans (service or non-service connected). Other options are Medi-Cal, Gold Coast Health Plan, Tri-Counties Regional Center Beneficiaries, Long-Term Care Insurance, and Private Pay.
The Oxnard Family Circle provides a safe, secure and nurturing environment for seniors who seek companionship, assistance, stimulation and enrichment. Watch this wonderful video on how some vets are finding solutions to their struggles. Interested families can schedule a tour of this compassionate organization by contacting them directly.
Organizations like these shouldn’t be a secret! If you know of a great resource for our veterans, please reach out and let us know. Just email us. Getting the word out there on resources that help veterans is one way we can say “thank you for your service.”
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