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Health Benefits for Veterans

More than 10 million U.S. military veterans are above the age of 65 years. Many of these senior veterans need medical care and financial assistance. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits they are eligible for. If you or a loved one is a U.S. military veteran, you may be entitled to VA health and financial assistance, such as pensions, healthcare, disability compensation, insurance, home loans, education and vocational training. VA Health Benefits Specific VA health benefits for older veterans include the following – Veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) – A&A is a benefit for veterans and their dependent spouses, who need another person’s help with activities of everyday living, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, grooming and monitoring medications. Veterans, who qualify, may be eligible for home health care or living at an assisted living community or care facility. Veterans who have limited eyesight may also qualify

Unique Health Issues in Aging Veterans

People who have been in the armed forces, and have served in physically and psychologically demanding situations, may face unique health problems, different from civilians. These problems may include mental health issues, injuries, chronic pain, chemical exposure, rare diseases, addiction, among others. However, many complex health issues either show up late or go untreated for years after a veteran’s active duty or active reserve service, which means military nurses and doctors might never have had a chance to diagnose the problem. There are 7 health problems that are common in veterans. Musculoskeletal problems The strenuous daily routine of most servicemembers can cause chronic back, leg, knee and shoulder problems. Nurse practitioners can help patients know more about their pain, maintain regular exercise routine and take prescribed medication on time, for pain management. Chemical exposure Veterans who served in combat zones or countries with looser environ

Using a Home Care Agency for Veterans

Home care agencies are ideal for home care for veterans. Home care agencies screen and provide training to caregivers for home care needs. Such an agency will also handle payroll and taxes-related issues for their employees. In addition, they will provide you with a replacement, in case the home caregiver falls sick or takes a break from work. Apart from meeting the caregiver before starting the service, check whether – the caregiver is bonded and insured? there are a minimum number of hours per shift? there is backup coverage if the caregiver is unable to work? you can call the agency at any time, including evenings and weekends? the agency will write a care plan? Paying for Home Care Home care is often paid for out-of-pocket but veterans can pay for it through VA benefits. Another way to pay for care include government programs like Medicaid. Medicare does not pay for personal or home care services. Veteran home care benefits include various VA health care s

3 Signs your Veteran Parent may be eligible for VA Benefits

If you are a family or professional caregiver for a veteran, have you checked out benefits they may be eligible for, from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)? Wartime veterans or their surviving spouses, who are low-income and disabled, may be eligible for Non-Service Connected Pension with Aid and Attendance. This Aid and Attendance benefit provides financial support for veterans or their surviving spouses who meet certain criteria get the help they need with activities of daily living (ADLs). Here are 3 signs that this pension may apply to your veteran senior. #1 – Military service during a war To qualify for Aid and Attendance benefit, the veteran must have – served at least 90 days in the military with at least one day during a war and should have been honorably discharged Serving in combat or overseas isn’t required but war times include – World War II: December 7, 1941– December 31, 1946 Korean War: June 27, 1950 — January 31, 1955 Vietnam Era: Aug