According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 8.1 million retired veterans over the age of 65. Many of these patriotic heroes, having survived wars, now need to endure the aging process and are finding that they need help in staying safe within their own homes. Assisted Living Home Care Services, an award-winning non-medical homecare agency in Connecticut, is assisting military service personnel and their families access the maximum benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for two American patriotic holidays: Flag Day and Independence Day.
“For veterans and their spouses, the challenges of aging can often bring additional concerns about accessing and affording quality care services, said Mario D’Aquila, MBA and COO of family-owned Assisted Living Home Care Services. “Fortunately, there are special programs designed to support veterans in need of assistance; however, many veteran families come to us not knowing that they even qualify for VA coverage, so we handle the due diligence for them and are usually able to locate benefits that provide much needed financial relief.”
D’Aquila emphasizes that The VA Healthcare Benefit is a cornerstone resource for veterans requiring assistance at home. Through this benefit, veterans enrolled in VA healthcare may qualify for in-home support services as well, such as help with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, meal preparation, medication reminders and other essential activities. These services enable veterans to maintain their independence and stay in the comfort of their own homes.
Key highlights of the VA Healthcare Benefit include:
- Eligibility and Enrollment: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can work with their Veteran Service Officer or healthcare provider to determine eligibility for in-home care. The primary requirement is to demonstrate a need for assistance with daily living activities.
- Hourly Care: The VA provides a certain number of hours of in-home care per day. These hours can often be supplemented through additional benefits such as long-term care insurance or Medicaid, allowing veterans to receive more comprehensive support.
- Comprehensive Care Options: Beyond non-medical support, the VA Healthcare Benefit may include services such as physical therapy, 24/7 nursing care and pain management to meet the varying needs of aging veterans.
- Respite Care for Spouses: For veterans living with a spouse who serves as their primary caregiver, the benefit can also include respite care. This allows the spouse to take a break from tending to the day-to-day needs of their veteran spouse while ensuring the veteran continues to receive quality care at home.
The second program available to veterans is The Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Program, a lesser-known, but highly impactful financial resource designed to provide monthly stipends for in-home care or other living arrangements. Unlike the VA Healthcare Benefit, this program functions as a pension-like stipend, offering veterans and their families additional financial flexibility when it comes to affording the care they need.
Key features to consider when applying for the Veterans Aid and Attendance Program are:
- Strict Eligibility Requirements: Service Criteria: The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one of those days of service occurring during wartime. Additionally, he or she must have been honorably discharged. Financial Criteria: While there are income and asset limitations, the requirements are less stringent than those for Medicaid. Veterans with moderate financial means may still qualify. Health Criteria: Applicants must be 65 or older and demonstrate a need for assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc.
- Versatile Use of Funds: The stipend can be used for various types of care, including non-medical home care, assisted living, nursing home expenses, and even senior living community costs. This flexibility ensures that veterans can access the care environment best suited to their own individual needs.
- Benefits for Surviving Spouses: One of the most compelling aspects of the program is that surviving spouses of eligible veterans may also qualify for financial assistance. This provision ensures that the sacrifice and service of veterans extend to their loved ones in times of need.
- Generous Financial Support: The monthly stipend ranges from $1,500 to $2,700 and goes up for those who qualify. These funds can significantly offset care costs, reducing the financial burden on veterans and their families who have already sacrificed so much for our country.