As seniors age, they often require more care and support to ensure their safety and well-being. This can be especially true for veterans who may struggle with the physical or psychological repercussions of their military service. They valiantly served their country, and now they need support in return. Caring for an aging veteran can be demanding and put increased stress on families who are trying to meet everyone’s needs.
Fortunately, senior care is available to help meet the diverse needs of elderly veterans and allow them to age in place more safely and comfortably. An in-home care provider can assist in many areas including:
- Companionship: An in-home caregiver can spend a few hours a day or week with your loved one just keeping them company, engaging in meaningful discussion, sharing meals together, attending community events, and much more. This can help to combat loneliness and depression as well as monitor daily needs to determine when a higher level of care may be necessary.
- Activities of daily living: Veterans may have physical challenges that make caring for themselves or their home more difficult. Memory issues or dementia can play a role too. An in-home caregiver can help with light housekeeping, sorting mail, getting in and out of bed, preparing meals, or organizing belongings.
- Non-medical care: Personal care assistance is also available to support grooming, bathing, eating, toileting, and dressing. In addition, an in-home care provider can remind aging veterans to take medications at designated times.
Aging veterans do not necessarily need to be in an assisted-living home or nursing home when targeted in-home care can effectively meet their needs. Families can coordinate care for when they are not available or when their loved one has the highest level of need – perhaps first thing in the morning, right before bed, or at mealtimes. They can arrange a schedule that fits with their senior’s unique needs.
Paying for In-Home Care
Many veterans do not realize that they may be eligible for financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers Aid & Attendance which can offset costs for in-home care. If eligible, veterans may receive an increase in their monthly pension. This can allow aging veterans to get the care they need to age in place and maintain a higher quality of life.
In some cases, private insurance or other benefit services may help to cover costs associated with senior care. It is important for aging veterans and their families to explore their options and work with a senior services provider to see how they can benefit from in-home care at a level that fits their needs and budget. The Center for Elder Veterans Rights can help veterans and their spouses determine what benefits they are eligible to receive.
Care to Meet Your Unique Needs
Always Best Care’s Veterans Assistance Program helps aging veterans to coordinate the level of care that meets their current needs and adjust these services as their needs increase. Whether opting to age in place or live in an assisted living community, benefits can be used to help cover costs and secure personal care. Always Best Care is committed to helping veterans receive the benefits and senior care they deserve and partners with several local organizations to support these efforts. Call Always Best Care today at (855) 470-2273 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the Veterans Assistance Program.
