Jay Rockefeller: “I am committed to focusing a spotlight on the good work of the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, in the area of…”

“I am committed to focusing a spotlight on the good work of the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, in the area of long-term care. VA has hidden its light under a barrel for too long. The federally funded VA health care system, out of necessity, has developed some of the most innovative ways to care for older people. The necessity arises because approximately 34 percent of the total veteran population is 65 years or older, compared with approximately 13 percent of the general population. And by the year 2010, 42 percent of the veteran population will be 65 years or older. As a result of this demand, VA has led the nation in developing adult day health care programs, standardized clinical treatment protocols and specialized units for Alzheimer's patients, home-based services, and respite care. Our older veterans are leading richer lives because of these innovations. Today, I wish to highlight the Alzheimer's unit at the Salem VA hospital, which has received extraordinary praise from the son of a veteran who was treated there for Alzheimer's. I know firsthand how difficult it is to care for a loved one afflicted by Alzheimer's. The special needs of Alzheimer's patients are all too frequently misunderstood and therefore go unmet. It seems, however, that the VA is up to the challenge. The family members of this particular veteran found the care at the VA hospital to be first-rate, humane and loving.”