We believe in the power of community and the importance of working together to achieve our goals.
At VCI, we aim to improve aging services education to veterans, family members, and caregivers through community outreach events, health awareness programs, and providing informative services at veteran service locations.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Parkinsonism are presumptive conditions for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and certain other toxins during military service and those veterans can apply for service-connected compensation.
Parkinson's Foundation Helpline:
1 (800) 473-4636
VA Centers of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease
https://www.parkinsons.va.gov/
Parkinson's Disease Overview
Aging Services
Admissions
Principles of Financing Aging Services
Veteran Support Networks
Elder Law
Transportation
Please note that these presentations are best provided in small groups. In addition, subject matter experts and representatives in these fields are available but must be scheduled in advance.
One of our goals is to share staff, community, and volunteer education opportunities for cultural diversity, basic knowledge of health services, and supporting clients and loved ones in healthcare.
We are proud to share that Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (PHCC) is an active educational institution that provides these enrichment courses in various formats. Such course topics currently available through PHCC are the Aging and Health Bundle, Helping Elderly Parents, HIPAA Compliance, the Nutrition and Health Bundle, and several more.
In addition, PHCC offers training courses for the following topics: Understanding Long-Term Care, Cultural Sensitivity in Aging Services and Long-Term Care, Critical Thinking in Aging Services and Long-Term Care, Ethical Characteristics in Aging Services and Long-Term Care, Veterans Aging Services and Long-Term Care, Navigating Aging Services and Long-Term Care: A Guide for Veterans, and Foundations of Addiction Counseling.
Below are a few of the many resources available where people can find more information regarding diseases and care needs that affect some of our older populations. We advise you to do your due diligence when performing your own research. Always talk with your trusted healthcare providers before assuming diagnosis, or making decisions regarding changes to care or routine.
Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org/
Alzheimer's Foundation of America: www.alzfdn.org/
American Geriatrics Society: www.americangeriatrics.org/
American Parkinson Disease Association: www.apdaparkinson.org/
Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: www.aftd,org/
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation: www.cjdfoundation.org/
Ethnic Elders Care Network: www.ethnicelderscare.net/
Family Caregiver Alliance: www.caregiver.org/
Huntington's Disease Society of America: www.hdsa.org/
Lewy Body Dementia Association: www.lbda.org/
National Institute on Aging: www.nia.nih.gov/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living: www.acl.gov/
Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. (AVVA) has an incredibly helpful document called The Paper Safe that is available to Veterans and the public which can be used as a tool to help centralize vital information that is required for long-term care and after-death support for Veterans and their beneficiaries (i.e., VA benefit documentation checklist, estate administration, funeral plans, assets).
AVVA website link: https://www.avva.org/papersafe.html
To download The Paper Safe directly, visit 2023_fillable_for_website.pdf (avva.org).
Thank you to AVVA for allowing us to share this resource on our platform!
Our goal is to establish a comprehensive support program that fosters healthy communities by ensuring equitable access to essential services, reducing environmental impact, and promoting physical and mental well-being for all Armed Forces members and Veterans.
If you are a member of the Armed Forces or a Veteran, please reach out to our office if you are experiencing financial difficulties with obtaining transportation to your VA or VA benefit appointments. Vouchers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that our office does not provide transportation services directly. Our program is geared to cover to cost of transportation in the event you are unable to afford travel expenses. You are responsible for obtaining a driver and working out a feasible schedule with your appointment and the transportation provider.
Such circumstances for this assistance program are disability rating renewal appointments, and initial or follow-up appointments (includes other healthcare providers and specialty practices outside of the VA). This service is provided on a one-time basis to all participants. Referrals from transportation providers are welcome and encouraged.
Counties covered: Bedford, Cambria, Indiana, and Somerset.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, offers an online tool called MyHealthfinder, which houses evidence-based information and resources to help you navigate through a variety of healthcare needs, including what routine screenings you may be due for. To learn more about this tool, visit https://health.gov/myhealthfinder
Our organization is open to collaboration to bring essential services to the community, especially those who may not apply for VA healthcare, who may not have health insurance, and those who are caregivers and supporters but not military members themselves. Essential services may include (but are not limited to) flu and COVID vaccines, blood screenings, balance screenings, and CPR or First Aid training.
Counties where VCI's essential service partnerships cover: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Somerset. Interest from other counties will be considered and provided as resources are available.
Our communities rely on proactive members, volunteers, and providers for essential services and support. We welcome all inquiries.
We are looking forward to bringing these events to the community. If you would like to see this event at your American Legion, VFW, or other venue, use the CONTACT US form below. Also, don't forget to check out our calendar for our upcoming events.
Brochure, First Edition (pdf)
DownloadCaregiver’s Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors - Family Caregiver Alliance (pdf)
DownloadPHCC Long Term Care Courses (pdf)
DownloadPublication List 2024 (png)
DownloadAlzheimer's Association 2024 Facts and Figures Infographic (pdf)
DownloadAlzheimer's Association 2024 PA Statistics (pdf)
DownloadMon | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Tue | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Wed | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Thu | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Fri | 08:00 am – 04:30 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
Holidays and events may affect these hours.
VCI has taken great measures to ensure all information shared is accurate, reliable, and up to date. However, individual experiences will vary greatly based on personal and financial needs, and some information varies based on facility, organization, and healthcare professionals in various fields.
It must be disclosed that VCI is not responsible for case management of individuals. The components that are discussed in the program are only meant to equip the audience with a working knowledge on how to plan for and what to expect with long-term care services. Resources provided are meant to be a guide, and not to be mistaken as endorsements or guarantees by VCI. You are responsible for researching and deciding what is relevant to you and fulfills your best interests.
There is never a cost or financial obligation to attend any of the events for the long term care initiative.
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