Being a caregiver for someone living with ALS can be a full-time job. It’s sometimes rewarding and sometimes stressful, but usually somewhere in-between. Support from The ALS Association and other organizations is available to help you not only provide care for your loved one, but also remind you to care for yourself.

The VA also provides benefits to caregivers of veterans living with ALS that may help you in your caregiving role, including making sure you have access to the appropriate equipment to maintain independence and safety for you and your loved one.

Housing Support

As the disease progresses, home modifications can be important to maintaining independent living and easing the burden of caregiving – for example, you may need to adapt your home to make it wheelchair accessible. The VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants are available to veterans living with ALS and can help facilitate home modifications or purchases.

Automobile Support

Having a wheelchair accessible van makes getting to and from appointments and other outings easier for all. The VA’s Automobile Grant provides financial assistance to help purchase a new or used automobile to accommodate a disability for a veteran.

In-Home Care

If extra help is needed to care for a veteran living with ALS, the Aide and Attendance Allowance will assist in helping to cover the cost to hire in caregivers.

If you need assistance accessing these benefits, we encourage you to contact your VA clinic team, your local ALS Association chapter or the veterans service organization of your choice (e.g., Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans).

For more information on home care benefits for veterans, refer to this information developed in partnership with Maxim Healthcare Services:

ALS Assocation

Caregiving for a Veteran

Housing Support

Automobile Support

In-Home Care