Aging veterans are offered a wide variety of benefits to assist them with life after the military. These benefits are administered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Here is some of the support and care available to those who have bravely served the nation.
Who are veterans?
About 25 million veterans are alive today after having served in various conflicts, wars, or periods of hostility. Recent wars include the Gulf War, Korean War, and Vietnam War. Aging veterans might’ve fought in World War II. They may have served in the military, the Air Force, or Coast Guard.
The Veterans Affairs Department reports that one-quarter of the US population, about 70 million individuals, are eligible to receive benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA). This is because they are either veterans, family members of veterans, or survivors of veterans.
What benefits are available to senior veterans?
Aging US military veterans have access to numerous benefits, such as disability compensation, pension, education and training, home loans, health care, and insurance. Older veterans may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as Veteran Readiness and Employment and burial.
1. Veteran Readiness and Employment
Some veterans may have left the military with a disability that prevents them from obtaining meaningful employment or limits their ability to work. The VA offers the Veteran Readiness and Employment benefit to help veterans learn new job skills, start a business, or return to a former job.
2. VA Health Benefits
Elderly veterans receive unique health benefits packages. The medical care and services included in individual VA health benefits are designed to treat illnesses and injuries, prevent future health problems, enhance the aging veteran’s ability to function, and improve overall quality of life.
The VA covers basic health care services, such as medical exams and health education. Senior veterans receive other preventive care, including immunizations, like the flu shot, to protect against infectious diseases. Older veterans also have an opportunity to be counseled on genetic diseases.
When aging veterans need in-patient care, the VA covers medical treatments, surgeries, and kidney dialysis. Acute care is available to seniors who need short-term care for mental or physical conditions and to treat traumatic injuries. Urgent care is included as a covered benefit.
Additional covered services in the VA health benefits packages include those to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse problems. The VA covers routine eye exams and, in some cases, dental care. Prescriptions written by a VA-approved doctor are also covered.
3. VA Long-Term Care Benefits
Sick veterans may be able to receive assistance with home health care, assisted living, or live-in care from the VA. Long-term care for disabled or ill veterans includes physical therapy, 24/7 nursing, and medical care as well as care to manage pain and promote comfort.
Aging veterans can obtain long-term care from a variety of settings run by the VA or organizations the VA approves. These include nursing homes, assisted living centers, and adult day health centers. Long-term care may also be delivered in the elderly veteran’s home.
4. VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
The VA offers an Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefit, which are monthly payments given in addition to the veteran’s monthly VA pension. This benefit is designed to support aging veterans who need help with the activities of daily living or are housebound.
Seniors who receive a VA pension and spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability may be eligible for this benefit. However, elderly veterans cannot concurrently receive the Aid and Attendance benefit and the Housebound benefit.
5. VA Disability Housing Grant
Housing grants are available to veterans who have sustained certain disabilities as a result of their military service. This benefit is designed to help them buy a home to meet their needs, such as one with ramps or widened doorways for a wheelchair, and live with greater independence.
6. Veterans Pension Program
Wartime veterans who meet established age or disability requirements may receive a monthly allowance from the VA as part of its Veterans Pension program. This financial benefit is given to veterans who are at least 65 years old and live with a disability.
7. VA Disability Compensation
The VA offers a monthly payment to veterans who developed a health condition while serving in the military or whose existing illness worsened due to service. Disability benefits are intended for chronic illnesses or mental health conditions, like PTSD, that developed before, during, or after service.
Elderly veterans may be eligible for additional benefits, such as life insurance for themselves or their family, a certificate of eligibility for a VA-backed home loan, a GI bill, and other educational benefits as well as support for a VA-owned small business.
The VA assists aging veterans long after they’ve been honorably discharged. Assisting Hands Home Care also supports older veterans with quality VA home care. Professional caregivers deliver compassionate in-home care services to assist seniors with everyday tasks.
Our home care services include grocery shopping and healthy meal preparation. We provide timely medication reminders to ensure care recipients remain in medication compliance. Transportation and escort to the doctor’s office, pharmacy, or senior center are included to help seniors stay active in their community.
Additional care services are offered, such as mobility support and transfer assistance. Caregivers assess the home for fall risks and remove hazards, such as clutter. We’re also pleasant companions who keep elderly veterans socially engaged with stimulating games, conversations, outings, and hobbies.
We’re available for respite care, which is ideal for veterans who receive care from a family member. Our respite caregivers pick up care where the family caregiver leaves off, thereby ensuring the elderly person receives uninterrupted attention. Respite care also gives family members relief from caregiving.
When the aging veteran in your life needs hands-on, non-medical senior care, choose Assisting Hands Home Care. We are privileged to support seniors who have served our nation. Flexible care options are available to the elderly in Fort Worth, Texas. Schedule a free in-home consult today to learn more.
