For veterans all across the country, the older that they get, the more they may require some help, such as home care. It’s no different than for any other individual, whether they served in the military or not, but for veterans who served their nation, they deserve an extra level of respect and care, not just from their immediate family members, but from a grateful nation.
Yet all too often the responsibility for caring for them falls on family members. This is often because many veterans are on fixed incomes, pensions that they receive from work, Social Security, and even other pensions through the VA. Many of these veterans who require some form of home care simply cannot afford it.
And that’s why when care is required, it tends to fall on family members.
But that’s not much different than for the rest of the country, is it? You might be asking.
In truth, there are millions of family caregivers who are tending to the needs of their elderly loved ones. That doesn’t mean that it’s the best option, nor does it mean that the seniors in these cases aren’t getting quality care from their family members.
However, for the majority of those individuals who are relying on family, if they can’t afford home care, there are no other options, aside from Medicare or Medicaid to help pay for them, thanfamily members.
For veterans who require home care, there is a program that was set up following World War I and is still in effect today that can provide these veterans with some financial assistance that can be used to pay for a home care provider. It’s called the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit. It is available to certain veterans, those who served during a time of combat or war, as defined by Congress, who served at least 90 days of active duty with one of those days being served during a time of war, and who were honorably discharged.
In order to quality, the veteran would have to have a doctor stipulate that he or she requires help around the house with basic care. The veteran would need to apply for the Aid and Attendance pension and the application process can take some time.
If you know a veteran over the age of 65 who might benefit from home care, talk to them or their family about the Aid and Attendance pension. It could help the entire family.
For more information and to learn about the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension, contact Veteran’s Home Care at (888) 314-6075.
