Are there veterans benefits for assisted living or nursing home care?
If you or a loved one served in the military, you may be asking this very question. The answer can often be unclear and confusing. Read on to find out more about the benefits that may be available to those who served our country.
There are over 18 million veterans in the United States. According to the National Conference of State Legislation, of the 18 million veterans, 49.5% are 65 years of age or older. It was reported by the U.S. Veterans Eligibility Trends and Statistics that only 68.1% of veterans over the age of 65 utilized the VA benefits programs that are available.
This means 31.9% or 2,842,290 veterans over the age of 65 are not taking advantage of the benefits that they may be entitled to. As a veteran or a family member of a veteran, are you aware of the process of moving yourself or your loved one to an assisted living community? Are you aware of the available resources? It is extremely important to know what resources are available for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.
Veterans Benefits
Veterans are eligible for many different programs that the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs offer. These benefits include disability compensation, pensions, education, training, health care, home loans, insurance, employment programs, and burial services.
These benefits are provided to all veterans no matter their age or status. However, some programs are available for veterans of a particular age or status to help you or a loved one who is 65 years of age or older. If you are an elderly veteran, you may be eligible to receive assistance by obtaining a pension, receiving benefits from the housebound, or the aid and attendance (A&A) program.
A pension is a benefit paid to a wartime veteran with financial needs as well as the survivors of the veteran. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration, as a Veteran, you may be eligible for pension if all of the following are true:
1. Discharged from the service under other circumstances than dishonorable conditions.
2. Served 90 days of active duty with at least one day during wartime unless you are a Veterans who entered active duty after Sept. 7, 1980, must serve at least 24 months of active-duty service. If the length of service is less than 24 months, the Veteran must have completed their entire tour of active duty.
3. Countable income is below the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR)
4. Meet net worth limitations
5. Meet one of the following criteria:
a. Age 65 or older
b. Permanent and total nonservice-connected disability
c. Patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
d. Receiving Social Security disability benefits
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, housebound is a benefits program that will increase the monthly pension that is given to a veteran who is substantially confined to their immediate premises due to permanent disability. You could be eligible for the Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits program, which is an increased monthly pension paid if you meet the following criteria:
1. Require help performing daily functions, which may include bathing, eating, or dressing
2. Bedridden
3. A patient in a nursing home
4. 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
Veteran Programs for Elderly Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has programs that will benefit older veterans who need assistance for geriatric and long-term care. The available programs are:
3. Home and Community Based Services
4. Residential Settings and Nursing Homes
Who Can Help with Filing for VA Assistance?
Unfortunately, some veterans or families of veterans are not aware of how to obtain the correct assistance when seeking to take advantage of the benefits that are offered by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Ensure that you are seeking proper representation when applying for VA benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs accredits three types of representatives to ensure that Veterans have access to qualified representatives.
The three types of representatives are Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives, attorneys, and agents. It is very important to make sure that you have the proper representation and guidance when seeking information on VA Benefits. Please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation search website to validate the representation in the state in which you reside.
If you feel as though you have been charged an outstanding amount, please follow these steps to file a motion with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Assisted Living
There are many misconceptions when it comes to moving to an assisted living community. It can be extremely difficult to have a conversation with your loved ones about wanting to move into a community that better suits you or speaking to your elderly loved one that it is time for them to move into a community that is better suited for them. Assisted living communities can enhance your quality-of-life and be the perfect place for you to create new memories!
Culpepper Place of Olive Branch recognizes our veterans and thanks them for their service. We believe that all of the members within our community deserve a lifestyle filled with laughter, fun, and compassionate services that we provide proudly. Please contact us at Culpepper Place today to find out more!
