A Caregiver's Story
Mr. and Mrs. D'Agostino in their home
VA Boston Healthcare System has followed Mr. Angelo D'Agostino, a Korean era combat Air Force veteran, for 30 years. In his young adulthood, Angelo earned an Associate's degree in accounting and worked as a tax accountant for many years in a large law office, he is the proud father of two daughters and three grandchildren. His wife, Mary Ann, and his daughters sought assistance from VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS), as Angelo suffers from ongoing health and mental health issues.
Angelo's wife, Mary Ann, is a very caring, dedicated and knowledgeable caregiver who has had to adjust to many changes and challenges this past year, but always with a sunny and cheerful disposition. She is very generous in providing advice to other caregivers who are going through similar experiences that care giving often brings.
Mary Ann is very appreciative of VA programs that have helped her and empowered her in her role as caregiver to her husband, who now has dementia. Some of the programs that her husband has participated in at VA BHS are:
Adult Day Health Care Program- Angelo regularly attends a community adult day health care site where he has structured activities and socialization during the day (and enjoys attending very much).
Respite – and inpatient stay for Angelo was facilitated at the VA CLC (Community Living Center) during Mary Ann's time of need; once when she needed surgery, and a more recent time for a household move.
Geriatrics clinic (GRECC) – Angelo is followed as needed for ongoing monitoring, evaluation and recommendations.
Dementia Care Coordination Program – This program follows Angelo and Mary Ann for ongoing case management/ care coordination and provides Mary Ann with caregiver support.
Caregivers Telephone Support Group- Mary Ann is currently participating in a VA Caregivers Telephone Support Group that provides information, education and support.
In addition to the loving support she receives from her daughters, Mary Ann attends Caregiver conferences offered to her within VA and she seeks support from outside VA from sources such as Alzheimer's Association and Elder Services. Throughout this journey she has remained positive and upbeat, and reflects, "Tomorrow will bring something better, that's what gets me through".
There are many services available to veterans and their caregivers; if you know someone who may benefit from Caregiver Support Services offered through VA, please call Patrice Woods, at 774-826-1124 for more information. Also visit our website for additional information http://www.boston.va.gov/services/social_work/support.asp
