Each year on Memorial Day we honor those men and women who lost their lives while serving their country in the military. Although this day of remembrance is an opportunity for us to pay tribute to those that have died, we should also celebrate those that are still with us and ensure that they receive the best possible care especially as they age. Fortunately, there are services that can be utilized by elderly veterans. As a company dedicated to the healthcare of seniors, LiveWell Placements wants to ensure that veterans and their families are aware of available programs such as pensions, loans, health care services, and transportation.
Pensions
Two VA programs that can provide qualifying elderly Veterans with additional monetary compensation are the Aid and Attendance (A&A) and the Housebound programs. A&A is an increased monthly amount paid if you meet certain criteria such as requiring help in performing daily functions at home or if you are a patient in a nursing home.
Housebound is an increased monthly amount paid if you are confined due to a permanent disability.
Financial Aid and Loans
For many senior veterans, it’s important to live independently as long as possible and that often means staying in their own home. However, they may not always have the funds to properly maintain their residence. If it becomes necessary to correct health or safety hazards or to make a home more accessible to those that are physically impaired, there are programs from the state to help provide financial aid. These programs are partially paid for by HUD but are administered by each state. Contact your State Agency on Aging for information on the programs in your area. You could also be eligible to receive a loan through the Veteran’s Administration.
Long Term Care
For those that need long-term health care and daily support from another individual for tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, or household chores, veterans can receive geriatric care programs at home, at VA medical centers, or within an assisted living facility.
Transportation
One of the most frustrating things for many seniors is their inability to leave their homes without asking for help from friends or family. Fortunately, there are other options. Many communities have transportation services that are funded by the Federal government to help the elderly and the disabled and assist them in getting to appointments or activities. The services can vary by locale but typically it’s a door-to-door van that’s available by appointment. To find out more about the federally funded transportation options in the area, contact the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging or search the Department of Health and Human Service’s Eldercare Locator on the topic Transportation.
In summary, one of the biggest challenges of aging can be a feeling of helplessness as it becomes more difficult to do things that once came easily. It is especially hard for those that do not have family or friends living near them. However, that doesn’t mean they are alone. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and fortunately, there are services available for just that purpose.
For more information on available benefits, go to https://www.benefitscheckup.org/, www.ada.gov or https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/
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