This week as I was knocking on doors I met a Korean war veteran. He hurt his leg in the war, was sent back, patched up and went on his merry way. He married, raised a family, had a good job and then retired. Now his children are all grown and doing their thing and he and his wife are home enjoying their golden years.
I had recently met them on the Waltham Common. His wife commented on my 'dancing by myself', lucky for me I enjoy my own company. Anyway, at this time when I was visiting, he was lying on the couch with his walker beside him. She told me a little about what is going on for them.
As a result of his war injury, her husband, the vet, has trouble walking, among other things. They either are not eligible or do not know how to take advantage of whatever veteran's benefits are available. I don't know enough about the process but rest assured, I will find out. I do know that at least in some instances they have chosen not to accept the available benefits. She told me they do not go to the VA hospital for his treatments because they would not be able to have a dedicated team of medical professionals. She told me they would have to be at the mercy of whoever happened to pick up their case on a given day. They are not comfortable with that so they find medical care in the community instead of at the VA. It cost a lot more money but this way they have a dedicated team of experts that know her husband. That certainly sounds like a reasonable expectation.
I asked her about the ramp at their front door, if they were able to get that as a benefit and she said no, they had to pay for the ramp as well. She told me they do not get any veteran's benefits to help with her husband's care. No in home care, nothing. She is his sole care provider. They are using up their savings, at least in part, paying for the injuries he received serving his country. That doesn't seem right.
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