Caring for Our Veterans
Although most older adults prefer to maintain their independence throughout their senior years, living independently can be challenging. Senior veterans especially can find it challenging to live independently as they age. Veterans have a higher risk for several mental health conditions than their civilian peers, such as PTSD, mental health disorders, traumatic brain injury, cognitive decline, and dementia. If left untreated, they can lead to significant issues, including suicide. Veterans are also more likely to be diagnosed with chronic health conditions, meaning they may require care earlier than non-veterans.
After sacrificing so much of their lives to serve and protect our country, veterans deserve the best care as their independence wanes. Anyone providing care for a loved one understands that caregiving is like putting together an intricate puzzle—all the support never comes from one place. Multiple family members may pitch in to ensure their loved one is safe and well. In addition, the veteran may have several doctors to help manage chronic illnesses. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) exists to help veterans and their families find the care and support they need.
The VA is a valuable resource for veterans, providing benefits and services to help them as they age. Here are four VA programs for veterans who prefer to age-in-place but need some assistance at home.
Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care
This program is designed for veterans who need help with personal care at home. Through this program, a professional caregiver can come to the veteran’s home to assist with daily tasks, like bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, or moving around the home. In addition, the professional caregiver can provide companionship. Homemaker Home Health Aides are generally employed by a third-party agency that has a contract with the VA.
Respite Care
Veterans who require assistance from a caregiver can receive up to 30 days of respite care each year. This is an amazing benefit for family caregivers of veterans. Family caregivers often have difficulty breaking away from their caregiving responsibilities, putting their health and well-being in jeopardy. Respite care allows family caregivers to step away and take care of themselves.
Aid and Attendance Benefits
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit are available to eligible low-income veterans and/or their spouses who need in-home care. It provides money to those who need assistance. Veterans and their families should visit the VA website to determine their eligibility and find out how to apply for this benefit.
Caregiver Support
In addition to providing benefits and services for veterans, the VA has several services designed specifically for the family caregiver. Family caregivers can call the VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for immediate assistance or determine what services their veteran loved one may be eligible for. From there, you can be connected with local caregiver support coordinators who can share valuable information about resources available for veterans within your local community.
Visiting Angels Punta Gorda is here to support veterans and their families. We provide veterans with a caregiver who can assist them in their own homes. We can also help veterans by providing the information they need to file with the VA for the Aid and Attendance benefit. If you are a veteran who needs assistance at home, we would be honored to assist you. Please get in touch with us today by calling 941-347-8288 Charlotte County or 239-226-1620 Lee County to learn more and mention our “Special Thank You for Your Service” rate.