Veterans Benefits Coverage for Senior Care
How Can Veterans Benefits Help Me Plan for My Future?
As our nation’s veterans age, many are facing increased medical costs and considering their long-term care and future housing needs. In the United States today, over 65% of the population are veterans of war or the spouse of a veteran, who may be eligible for a wide range of assistance and benefits programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Benefits such as healthcare and medical benefits, pension, life insurance, burial and memorial services, and much more become available to veterans after they are honorably discharged from active military service.
Senior Care Services Through the VA
Veterans planning for their future needs can benefit from some of the following senior care services provided by the VA:
Pension. The VA offers aging adults who are 65+ and have a non-service-connected disability pension programs that provide income and create a more stable lifestyle for veterans and their families. Pensions are needs-based and to become eligible you must provide proof of income and net worth, have medical treatment records and complete a pension program application. For veterans who may meet the eligibility requirements but require more assistance with daily living, you may qualify for an “Aid & Attendance” increased monthly pension program.
Home and Community Based Services. The VA offers a number of benefits to assist with the cost of senior care. As a part of the VA Medical Benefits Package, aging veterans are eligible for home and community based services, when the Geriatric Evaluation assesses there is a clinical need for the service. Some of the standard Home and Community Based Services offered include:
- Adult Day Health Care are day care programs for senior veterans that create social activities, peer support, companionship and recreation. The programs are tailored to veterans in need of skilled nursing care and assistance with the tasks of daily living from nurses, therapy services and other medical professionals.
- Respite Care services for veterans provide caregiver relief for family caregivers and can be helpful to veterans of all ages. The VA provides respite care in an inpatient, outpatient or home care setting and is aimed at veterans who need to receive skilled care and assistance with the tasks of daily living.
- Skilled Home Health Care is a short-term health care service for veterans who are homebound or who do not live within a close proximity to a VA medical center. Medical care is provided to the veteran through a community-based home health agency and can include assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, medication management and meal preparation.
- Hospice and Palliative Care are provided to veterans who require around the clock care through either end of life care with hospice, or comfort care and symptom relief palliative care provides. Palliative care can begin anytime and focuses on improving quality or life. Hospice care provides veterans and their families with comfort services during end of life and can be provided in an outpatient clinic or inpatient setting.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. Veterans with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias can be provided a full range of care options through the VA depending on their level of daily assistance needed. Services can range from home based primary care, home health aide, adult day care services, respite care for caregiver relief, nursing homes and palliative or hospice care.
Providing Quality Care for Veterans
Concordia Life Care Community in Oklahoma City offers a wide range of senior living services to accommodate your individual needs, both today and tomorrow. Discover more about our living options, such as independent living, or for more information or questions regarding senior care benefits for veterans, contact the Veterans Services Office (VSO). You can call the VA at 877-922-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm EST, or contact your closest VA healthcare facility.
Retirement & Planning
