Military Veterans

Caregiving for a Veteran

Being a caregiver for someone living with ALS can be a full-time job, sometimes rewarding, sometimes stressful, usually somewhere in between. Support is available to help you provide care for your loved one while also reminding you to care for yourself.

The VA also provides benefits to caregivers of veterans with ALS that may assist you in your caregiving role and help make 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 house to make it wheelchair accessible. The VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants  are available to veterans with ALS and can 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 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 covering 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).

Military Veterans