It can be quite easy and simplistic to consider veterans to be strong, independent men and women, regardless of their age. While most of us would never be able to identify a veteran while walking past them on the street, some wear their service with pride. Some don’t talk much about it. Others, though, will struggle with activities of daily life as they get older.
Whether or not they let their loved ones, friends, family, and others know about their struggles depends on the individual. It’s easy to assume that your aging grandfather since he fought in the Vietnam War, is a strong, independent man who doesn’t need help with anything.
However, he might be struggling more than anyone can realize. That’s because he’s human. He is going to face many of the same struggles and challenges that other seniors face as they get older. He might not know the best ways to reach out for help. He might not feel right letting anyone know about his weaknesses and struggles.
For veterans who qualify, the Aid and Attendance benefit can help.
Those who are considered wartime veterans may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits. These benefits can be used to pay for in-home care support. That could be a game changer for aging veterans who are struggling just to get through each day.
If the senior’s doctor has told him or her that it’s time to think about some type of in-home care, but they don’t do it, why is that? Could it be pride? Absolutely. Could it be insecurity? It just might be. Could it be that they don’t see it as affordable? That is certainly possible.
The Aid and Attendance benefit can help those who may not be able to afford home care on their own. For these veterans, there are a few conditions they must meet in order to be eligible for some benefits to pay for Veterans care:
- They need to have served at least one day of their active duty service during a time when the United States was engaged in combat. Generally speaking, this includes World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Gulf War. If the veteran was honorably discharged and served at least one day of their active duty service during one of these time periods, they would be eligible for this condition.
- Their combined income and assets must be limited. In other words, their primary residence would not likely be counted, but those assets that can quickly be converted into cash might be taken into account for this calculation. But if the veteran lives off of a pension, Social Security, and little else, he or she might very well qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits.
- Their doctor needs to recommend in-home care. If the veteran’s doctor has told them they would benefit from home care, it’s time to begin the application process for Aid and Attendance benefits.
That’s not a guarantee they will be approved, but for those who are highly confident they will, the Aid and Attendance benefit can help these regular people get the support they need at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Veterans Care in Lincoln, NE, please contact the caring staff at Caretech today at (402) 697-5121
Caretech provides the best care services for seniors and families throughout Nebraska including Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, Kearney, Fremont, Norfolk, Hastings, Columbus, Papillon, North Platte, La Vista, Scottsbluff, South Sioux City, Beatrice, Lexington, Chalco, Gretna, Gering, York, and surrounding areas.
- Supporting Our Veterans: Caretech’s Contribution to the Military Veteran Services Center Backpack Project - November 12, 2024
- Expanding Care in Western Nebraska: Meet Kate Schmer, Caretech’s New Community Liaison and Resource Coordinator - November 12, 2024
- Caretech Partners in Launching the Military and Family Helpline to Support Omaha’s Military Community - November 12, 2024
