Everything Families Need to Know About Veteran Home Care
As our loved ones age, it can become increasingly difficult for them to live independently. This is especially true for veterans, who may have unique health needs related to their service. Fortunately, there are resources available to help veterans and their families navigate the challenges of aging and stay at home longer with home care services.
Only a fraction of veterans or their spouses take advantage of their VA benefits to help pay for the cost of senior care. Many don’t realize that these funds are available, and still others have trouble navigating the often confusing and time-consuming process of applying and qualifying for these funds.
At Your Side Home Care is dedicated to helping older adults remain happily at home for as long as possible. Let’s discuss everything families need to know about veteran home care and how to get the benefits they deserve.
Understanding Veteran Home Care Benefits: Your Questions Answered
What is Veteran Home Care?
Many veterans know that they can have home healthcare services covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, did you know you can also qualify for help paying for non-medical home care services? Sometimes known as companion care or homemaker services, this type of assistance helps veterans live at home for longer.
With an in-home care service, experienced caregivers help older adults with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as:
- Eating
- Dressing
- Personal grooming
- Bathing
- Using the bathroom
- Grocery shopping & home chores
- Mobility (sitting, standing, walking, etc.)
At At Your Side Home Care, going above and beyond is par for the course: our caregivers develop real relationships with their clients, providing much more than basic services alone. We’re in the business of making a difference in the lives of older adults, becoming an active, meaningful part of their overall care and well-being.
What Benefits Are Available to Veterans to Help Pay for Senior Care?
There are many sources of VA funds to help seniors cover the cost of care, including the VHA Standard Medicaid Benefits Package. Let’s talk about two of the main benefit programs available to veterans that you may not know about: the Aid & Attendance Pension Program and the Veteran-Directed Care Program.
Aid & Attendance Pension Program
Designed to supplement the cost of long-term care for veterans and surviving spouses, this program is ideal for veterans already receiving a pension. As long as a veteran has reached the age of 65 and/or has at least two ADLs (help with bathing, dressing, etc.), they can qualify.
Aid and Attendance benefits and the Housebound allowance provide extra income to a VA pension to help pay for care.
- Up to $2,050 per month for single veterans
- Up to $2,431 for married veterans
- Up to $1,318 for surviving spouses
- Up to $3,253 for two married veterans
Additional income and asset limits do apply, though these can have complex caveats.
Veteran-Directed Care Program
The Veteran-Directed Care program offers a budget for approved senior care services, rather than a direct increase in pension. With the help of a counselor, veterans manage this budget and choose their own providers. There are no age, asset, or income limits to this benefit—the veteran simply must qualify for home and community-based services.
With this program, veterans and their spouses can choose to spend their benefit money on services such as:
- Personal care services
- Companion care
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Chore services
- Homemaker and home health services
Who is Eligible for Veteran Home Care?
Overall criteria depend on the source of funding. For example, the Aid & Attendance benefit has stricter requirements than the Veteran-Directed Care Program. Eligible individuals:
- Are U.S. veterans who are 65+ or 100% disabled
- Served at least 90 days of active military duty (after training)
- Served at least one day of active military duty during a period of war (WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf)
- Received an honorable, medical, or general discharge
- Need another person to help you perform daily activities or are bed-bound
- Are a surviving spouse of a veteran who meets these criteria (if they have not remarried)
These guidelines are general, and additional requirements, such as asset and income limits, may apply. However, if you believe you or your family member meets the above criteria, don’t give up hope if you run into problems with these net worth limits.
The At Your Side Home Care team can help you navigate these nuances and find out which programs you are eligible for. We’re here to ensure that you aren’t leaving money on the table when it comes to in-home senior care!
Get Help Maneuvering Through the VA System
Too many veterans don’t get the help they need because they either don’t realize these benefits are available to them or get overwhelmed in the application process. Receiving your benefits can feel like an uphill battle, but you are not alone. At Your Side Home Care is proud to serve veterans, helping them confirm their eligibility, gather the necessary documentation, and navigate the VA system.
If you or a loved one needs assistance to continue living at home safely, talk to At Your Side Home Care today for personalized guidance! Let us match you with your perfect caregiver today.
Choose At Your Side: Here to Help Texas Veterans Get the Home Care Services They Deserve
At At Your Side Home Care, we’re on a mission to help older adults live their best life possible while aging safely at home. Our teams are made of passionate caregivers who are ready to prioritize your loved one’s well-being. Don’t let confusing processes or unclear eligibility criteria stop your loved one from affording the care they deserve. Get in touch with us today to see how At Your Side Home Care can help your family!
