My comment on the budget would be that it's not enough; make it more. It's not going to solve all the problems. Yes, it will help. If the system were easier.... I love this expression: People don't care how much you know, they want to know how much you care. Make the system stronger. Put more money into it. Find the money. These people are worth it.
If I were a caregiver now to a veteran receiving a thousand dollars a month, and I was truly doing 24-7 care, I would be insulted. Is that all I'm worth?