In this episode, Brian shares his journey of managing his mother's costly long-term care after his father's passing. He reveals invaluable insights into the VA aid and attendance benefits, detailing the steps and documents needed to successfully navigate this process. Brian’s experience offers practical advice and highlights the importance of persistence and thorough documentation, equipping you with essential tools to ease the financial and emotional burden of eldercare.

In this episode, Brian discusses:

• Balancing the demands of raising children and caring for aging parents
• Financial struggles related to elderly care
• VA aid and attendance benefits for veterans and their families
• Practical advice and tips for managing eldercare responsibilities

Key Takeaways:

• The unexpected costs of eldercare can be overwhelming, and finding resources such as VA benefits can significantly alleviate financial burdens.
• The VA aid and attendance benefit is available for veterans and their surviving spouses, providing monthly financial assistance for those who qualify based on service, need for daily living assistance, and income/assets.
• Persistence and thorough documentation are crucial when dealing with the VA system, as bureaucratic challenges can delay or complicate receiving benefits.
• It's essential to gather and submit specific documents, including the DD 214 discharge papers, a physician statement, financial information, and relevant VA forms, while also keeping copies and seeking help from Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) if needed.

Host contact information: 

• Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com



Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

In this episode, Brian opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing marriage while caring for aging parents. Drawing from his own 35-year marriage, Brian shares heartfelt advice on maintaining strong relationships and staying connected through the chaos. Tune in for essential insights that promise to strengthen your bonds and help you navigate the complexities of being stuck in the middle.

In this episode, Brian discusses:

• Navigating relationship dynamics amidst caregiving
• The necessity of effective communication
• The importance of spending quality time together
• Strategies for equitable responsibility sharing
• The role of self-care in maintaining individual well-being

Key Takeaways:

• Communicate openly and frequently with your spouse to ensure mutual understanding and support.
• Prioritize quality time together, such as scheduling regular date nights to strengthen your relationship.
• Share responsibilities and be flexible in managing both household and caregiving tasks to prevent resentment.
• Maintain your individual identity by taking care of your physical and mental well-being.
• Seek external support, like community programs or family assistance, to lighten the caregiving load and allow for personal rejuvenation.

“I used to tell my wife, 'It's you and me against the world.'”

Host contact information: 

• Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com



Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com

In this episode, we delve into the stress of being caught in the middle as a spouse, sharing personal insights and practical tips on managing responsibilities to parents, spouses, and children. Learn how open communication, prioritizing self-care, and setting boundaries can help navigate these challenges effectively.

In this episode, Brian discusses:

• The emotional and financial stress of being a middle spouse
• Balancing responsibilities between aging parents and your own family
• The importance of open communication in managing family stress
• Prioritizing self-care while taking care of others

Key Takeaways:

• Open communication with your spouse, children, and parents is essential to managing stress.
• Prioritizing your marriage can help maintain a strong family foundation amidst responsibilities.
• Establishing boundaries with your parents is crucial for your well-being.
• Self-care, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, is vital to effectively manage multiple responsibilities.

“Take care of yourself, get yourself in a good place, and set those boundaries, communicate so that you're in a position to really juggle all of these things in a good way.”