Caregiver program celebrates Veteran’s 103rd birthday

Born Jan. 23, 1920, World War II Army Veteran Ellis Allen just celebrated his 103rd birthday. Allen celebrated with family, the Washington, D.C., VAMC and the VA Caregiver Support Program with a special virtual birthday party.

Allen’s life embodies resilience

Allen’s life embodies resilience, triumph, bravery and honor. After completing three semesters at Lincoln University, one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, he was drafted into the Army on July 25, 1942.

Six years later, after other assignments, Allen was assigned to the 503rd Field Artillery Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington. In August 1950, the segregated unit deployed to fight in the Korean War.

On Dec. 1, 1950, Allen was captured after his unit was overrun near the Chinese Border and was held as a POW for 33 months. After he was released from captivity, he was reclassified as an Army Communications Non-Commissioned Officer for the remainder of his military career.

Due to the death of his wife and being a single father, he was the caretaker for his young son, Jeffrey.

The son of a soldier turned caregiver

Jeffrey, now a retired Army Colonel, is his father’s caregiver. Allen is living with dementia and Jeffrey provides him with around-the-clock care.

“Some days I feel like I’m not cut out for this,” said Jeffrey, speaking of the challenges of being a caregiver. “But he’s my dad and he supported me throughout my life, so it’s my turn to be there for him.”

Jeffrey and Allen participate in CSP’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).

“Mr. Allen is an American hero and his son Jeffrey is the epitome of a caregiver. He provides Mr. Allen critical care with compassion and within a loving environment,” said Collen M. Richardson, CSP executive director. “Our programs and our teams are here to support Jeffrey and all caregivers like him who are frontliners of care for our nation’s Veterans.”

Support from a community that cares.

Ellis and Jeffrey connected with the Washington D.C. VAMC CSP team in 2021 and have since partnered with the team to connect with resources such as Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care, an in-home service provided by trained professionals who can help Veterans with their daily living needs.

“It’s an honor to support Veterans and caregivers like Mr. Allen and Jeffrey,” said Lea Anderson, D.C. VAMC CSP Team. “Our teams are here to help caregivers, from being a listening ear to connecting them with services that can assist with the challenges associated with caregiving.”

Resources for Caregivers of Veterans living with Dementia

A variety of resources are available for caregivers of Veterans living with dementia, including flexible virtual training programs like Building Better Caregivers, online tips and dementia-care videos, and in some cases, in-home support. Caregivers can learn about the resources available to them by contacting their local CSP team.

About the Caregiver Support Program

The Caregiver Support Program promotes the health and well-being of Veterans and their Caregivers through education, resources, support and services. Visit CSP’s website to learn more.