When beginning to search for home care, it is important to look into different ways to cover the costs of services. Having assistance with covering the costs can help to ease the financial burden, sometimes making it possible for elders to receive care that they would not be able to afford otherwise.
If your loved one served in the U.S. military or is the spouse of a U.S. veteran, he or she may be eligible for home care services benefits through the Veterans’ Pension Benefit program. If you think your loved one may qualify for this pension benefit but are unsure, Elder Independence can assist you in the application process for the veterans’ program.
Veterans’ Benefits Qualifications
To qualify for Veterans’ Benefits, seniors must:
- Not have a dishonorable discharge
- Have served at least 90 days on active duty
- Have served at least one day during a period of war (as defined by the VA)
- Be 65 or older or totally and permanently disabled
- Meet specific financial criteria
Will My Family Member Qualify?
It is estimated that about two million veterans and their spouses are eligible for veterans’ benefits. Many veterans do not apply or avoid receiving home care because they do not believe that they are eligible to receive benefits. Some believe that someone would have told them about these benefits if they were available, but this is often not the case. Elder Independence can help you and your loved one to take the right steps to apply for veterans’ benefits and compile the needed documentation.
What Will Veterans’ Benefits Cover?
Depending on the qualifications and needs of the veteran, veterans’ benefits may cover all or a portion of home care services. This amount may be even more for older couples in need of assistance when one elder is an eligible veteran.
Why Home Care?
Home care allows veterans to stay in the comfort of their own home while receiving assistance with activities of daily living. This can ease the strain on crowded VA nursing homes and community living centers in the area. Receiving home care can also allow seniors with less critical medical needs to remain living more independently, visiting VA hospitals and facilities only when needed.
