VA Benefits can help cover the cost of assisted living
For veteran senior living, certain financial benefits may be available to military veterans and their surviving spouses. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, offers benefits that provide financial assistance for long-term care.
Care options include memory care, home care, independent living, and assisted living facilities.
For those who served the country bravely, the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pension program is available to help make this level of improvement a little more attainable. Eligible Texas vets and their surviving spouses can qualify should they need aid in various activities for daily living (also known as ADLs).
These Activities of Daily Living could include dressing, bathing, eating, transportation for errands and appointments, and medication management, although it should be noted that eligible applicants don’t need to require aid with everything to qualify.
A&A recipients can also utilize these funds to help pay for costs associated with home care, skilled nursing home care, or assisted living.
Costs Covered by VA Benefits
Veterans and their spouses who do qualify for the A&A Pension Benefit can utilize the benefits they receive to help cover the assisted living costs. The benefit can provide upwards of $1,794 per month to a vet, $1,153 per month to a surviving spouse, or $2,127 per month to a couple. A veteran who files with a sick spouse can be eligible for as much as $1,410 per month.
VA Benefits for Elderly Veterans
Two VA programs provide certain elderly Veterans with an additional monetary amount if they are eligible for or receiving a VA Pension benefit.
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an increased monthly pension amount paid if you meet one of the conditions below:
Require help performing daily functions, which may include bathing, eating, or dressing.
Are bedridden.
A patient in a nursing home.
Your eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.
Housebound is an increased monthly pension amount paid if you are substantially confined to your immediate premises because of a permanent disability.
VA Health Care for Elderly Veterans
Geriatrics is health care for elderly Veterans with complex needs. Extended care – also known as long-term care – is a program for Veterans of all ages who need the daily support and assistance of another individual. Elderly Veterans can receive geriatric and long-term care programs at home, at VA medical centers, or in the community.
Deciding where to spend the golden years is one of the most important decisions anyone will make, and it’s important to know that each state classifies assisted living and nursing homes differently, and has different rules and regulations to follow to ensure senior health.
The Federal and State Nursing Home & Assisted Living Regulations provide detailed information for all 50 states. Topics include how each state defines assisted living, admission and retention policies, and square feet requirements.