I am reposting a valuable article from my trusted Oasis Senior Advisors partners, Jill and Shawn Charles. This article offers resources and guidance to help Veterans find the right care solutions. You can find a link to their website under my "Professional Partners" tab.
Shawn Charles
(480) 519-7962
scharles@youroasisadvisor.com
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs and services to help Veterans access the long-term care they need. From financial assistance programs to residential living options and programs that support Veterans who live at home, VA aims to help U.S. military Veterans live comfortably and access the care they need. Here, we explain 16 Veterans benefits that senior Veterans can receive to maximize their quality of life, safety, and comfort, whether they live at home or in a long-term care facility.
Financial assistance programs for Veterans
VA offers various financial assistance programs to U.S. military Veterans. Some provide additional income to individuals who have significant health needs. Other programs offer loans to Veterans, and still others provide grants that allow Veterans to improve their homes without needing to repay the funds. Let’s explore these financial programs designed specifically for Veterans.
Aid and Attendance benefit
Veterans who require assistance with daily living may qualify for additional income each month through the Aid and Attendance benefit. This VA benefit provides income directly to qualifying Veterans. Surviving spouses can also qualify for this benefit. Currently, certain eligible benefit recipients can receive over $2,000 per month. The actual amount received depends on a number of factors.
To qualify, Veterans must meet requirements in military service, health needs, and income. Generally speaking, the military service criteria require that the Veteran served in active duty during an approved wartime period (though serving in an active combat zone is not required). The Veteran must require help with at least two activities of daily living, need to live in a facility to protect their safety due to a cognitive or other health issue, or have a severe vision impairment that meets the VA’s criteria. The Veteran must also meet the net worth limit set by Congress.
Veterans interested in applying can do so on their own through VA or work with a third party who can help them determine their eligibility. Applying on your own can be difficult, as the rules and instructions are not clearly defined, and the application is lengthy and complicated. Finding a trained professional to work with can help ensure you’ve completed the application properly and help you get your benefits in a timely manner.
VA home loan
Aging in place, or living at home for as long as possible, is often the ideal situation for many people. However, doing so can require the funds to purchase a home or improve its accessibility. Veterans who need financial assistance to make their homes safer and accommodate their care needs may qualify for a VA home loan.
The U.S. government backs these loans, and the VA guarantees a portion of the loan to lenders. With the VA standing behind the Veteran in the loan, the lender often offers desirable terms. The borrowing Veteran could have a zero or low down payment, a lower interest rate, or a cap on closing costs, among other benefits.
To qualify for a VA loan, the Veteran must meet certain service requirements and get a Certificate of Eligibility from VA.
The Special Home Adaptation grant
The Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant provides funding to qualifying Veterans who want to buy or modify a home to meet their needs due to a service-connected disability. The Veteran can use funds to buy or build a home or modify their existing home.
In addition to meeting health and disability requirements, the Veteran must also own or soon own the home they want to improve or purchase. Eligible individuals can apply online through eBenefits, by mail, or in person after filling out VA Form 26-4555.
The Temporary Residence Adaptation grant
Help is also available to Veterans who temporarily live in a home that doesn’t meet their accessibility needs. If a Veteran would qualify for the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant or the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant but temporarily lives in a family member’s home, the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant may be able to help fund necessary modifications to support the Veteran’s accessibility needs.
The Veteran must meet disability criteria and not own the home they want to modify. Veterans can apply online through eBenefits, by mail, or in person after filling out VA Form 26-4555.
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant
This grant is for Veterans who are not seeking to fund new construction but instead want to fund home modifications to improve accessibility in their homes. The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant can cover alterations to home entrances, installations of roll-in showers or walk-in bathtubs, adjustments to counter heights, and other accessibility improvements.
To qualify for the grant, the Veteran must meet various criteria and receive a prescription written by a VA physician deeming the improvements necessary. The Veteran must also complete the application, submit a notarized statement from the owner (if the Veteran rents the home) approving the improvement, obtain an estimate of project costs, and submit a photo of the original unimproved space.
Residential care facilities for Veterans
Some Veterans may need significant assistance with activities of daily living, so moving to a residential community may be the best way to maintain comfort and a good quality of life. Others may opt to live in facilities because of the camaraderie, socialization, and round-the-clock access to care staff and professionals. While there are many senior living communities across the country, VA provides two types of communities specifically serving U.S. military Veterans: VA nursing homes and state Veterans homes.
VA nursing homes
A nursing home is a residential long-term care facility that helps people who need ongoing skilled nursing care or significant assistance with personal care tasks, like bathing, dressing, eating, and other activities of daily living. These facilities staff skilled nursing professionals, like registered nurses and other skilled care professionals. They provide skilled care, like wound care, medication administration, and other nursing tasks. While there are many nursing homes across the U.S., the VA operates its own nursing homes, also called VA Community Living Centers, that cater to U.S. military Veterans.
To live in a VA nursing home, the Veteran must meet certain eligibility criteria, including service-connected status, level of disability, and income limits. The Veteran must also be enrolled in the VA health system and be medically and psychiatrically stable.
Depending on the Veteran’s service-connected disability and financial status, they may be responsible for a copay. VA social workers and case managers can advise interested Veterans, and applicants can complete the Application for Extended Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EC) to apply for residency.
State Veterans homes
State Veterans homes are residential communities that provide varying levels of care, like independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and adult day health care. The state where the facility is located owns and operates the community.
A benefit of living at a state Veterans home is that most residents are U.S. military Veterans. Some state Veterans homes may admit non-Veteran spouses and Gold Star parents, while others may admit only Veterans. This allows residents to bond through a shared experience with the military, fostering and supporting strong relationships. Not only do the residents better understand one another, but the staff are also trained on unique issues that Veterans may face, such as PTSD, depression, and other common challenges that can result from time served in the military.
Interested Veterans must apply for residency. State Veterans homes are located throughout the country.
Help at home for Veterans
Many Veterans choose to live at home, but even if they do not live in a VA residential community or a senior living facility, they may still need care services and support to live independently. There are a number of services that help Veterans who live in the community rather than in a facility. From adult day health care and respite care to homemaker services and even end-of-life care at home, VA offers a range of services to eligible Veterans. Let’s take a look at those services now.
Adult day health care (ADHC)
Veterans who live at home may live alone or with a family member. Adult day health care (ADHC) services could be just what the Veteran and their caregiver need to live successfully at home. VA adult day health care programs operate during the day and provide care and socialization for Veterans. On-staff and visiting professionals, including social workers, nurses, therapists, and other health care professionals, provide care in these programs.
Veterans can utilize this program as often as needed, whether a few days per week for part of the day or on a full-day schedule. ADHC programs can be found at VA medical centers, state Veterans homes, or other organizations if none exist in the Veteran’s area.
The programs can also offer family caregivers a much-needed respite from caring for the Veteran. The caregiver will know that their Veteran loved one is in good hands and getting the specialized care they need while the caregiver can have time for themselves or handle other life responsibilities.
If a Veteran is eligible for community care and meets the clinical criteria for the service, and if there is an ADHC program in the area, the Veteran can participate. VA care managers can guide interested Veterans on the application process and explain the potential copay the Veteran may have based on their disability and financial status.
Respite care
Veterans with family caregivers, like spouses or adult children, may benefit from VA respite care services. Respite care can benefit both the individual and their caregiver by providing care while the family member takes a break from their usual caregiving responsibilities.
VA respite care is convenient because Veterans and their families can access services in a few ways:
- Veterans who live at home can have a respite caregiver come to the home to provide services.
- The Veteran can also attend a VA adult day health care program if there is one in their area.
- For longer periods of care, the Veteran can receive respite care services at a nursing home. This option may be suitable for Veterans whose caregivers need to be away for a few days due to a trip or another longer-term responsibility.
Veterans may qualify for VA respite care services if they meet the criteria and if these services are available near them. Services vary by location. The Veteran may be responsible for a copay based on their disability status and financial situation. VA case managers can help interested Veterans determine eligibility, learn if they have a copay, and apply for the service.
Home-based primary care (HBPC)
VA’s home-based primary care (HBPC) program can offer invaluable help to Veterans who find it difficult to leave home for medical care. This service brings health care to the Veteran’s home if they live within 40 miles of a VA medical center. Medical professionals, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and other health care professionals, can provide services in the Veteran’s home.
Veterans who are enrolled in the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package are eligible to receive home-based primary care if the service is available in their area and they meet the clinical criteria. VA case managers can help Veterans learn whether they meet the requirements and whether there is a program in their area.
Skilled home health care
Skilled home health care can be an important part of a Veteran’s recovery from an injury or hospitalization. The skilled home health care program provides skilled nursing services to Veterans transitioning home from a hospital or skilled nursing facility but still needing care at home.
If a Veteran is eligible for community care and meets other criteria, they may qualify for the skilled home health care program. VA case managers can help determine eligibility and assist the Veteran in applying for the service.
Homemaker and home health aide program
If a Veteran needs help with activities of daily living and maintaining their home’s cleanliness, the VA homemaker and home health aide program may be a great fit for their situation. Through this service, the Veteran receives care through a VA-approved home care agency that sends caregivers to the Veteran’s home. Typically, these caregivers can help with light housekeeping, meal preparation, and assistance with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living.
Veterans eligible for community care may qualify for the homemaker and home health aide program. VA case managers can help Veterans determine whether they qualify and will have a copay in addition to helping them receive the services.
Home hospice care
Veterans can receive home hospice services during their final stage of life. As with typical hospice services, providers help manage the patient’s symptoms while the patient is no longer seeking curative treatments for their illness or condition. In addition to symptom management, the Veteran’s family and loved ones can receive grief counseling services.
This service is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package. Enrolled Veterans are eligible for home hospice care if their physician determines there’s a clinical need. Hospice care requires no copayments from the Veteran.
Palliative care
Through the VA palliative care program, Veterans work with doctors, nurses, social workers, and other professionals to manage pain and other symptoms associated with one or more chronic conditions. Although palliative care may seem similar to hospice in that it also aims to manage chronic conditions and maximize quality of life, the two should not be confused. The main difference is that patients can use palliative care services while receiving curative treatments, whereas those receiving hospice care cannot.
The palliative care program is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package. A Veteran may be eligible if they demonstrate a medical need for it. VA social workers can help determine potential copays and processes for initiating this type of care.
Home telehealth assistance
The home telehealth assistance program allows Veterans living at home to use technology to monitor their health and communicate with their health care providers. With remote patient monitoring, health care providers can access real-time data about the Veteran patient. Phone visits and video communication can allow Veterans who are homebound or live far from their providers to contact doctors quickly and as needed.
Veterans can talk with their health care provider at the nearest VA medical center about the home telehealth assistance options in their area.
Veteran-directed care
Veteran-directed care is an approach to how the Veteran chooses to receive their care rather than a specific type of care. Many Veterans receive care from VA-directed health care providers, but through Veteran-directed care, the Veteran chooses their own care service providers. They are responsible for hiring, managing, and paying their providers with the budget they receive. This program fosters autonomy and allows the Veteran to take the lead on who provides their care.
To participate, the Veteran must be eligible for community care and meet health requirements. VA social workers can work with interested Veterans to determine the individual’s eligibility and inform them on how to get started.
Whether a senior Veteran wants to live at home or in a long-term care community, VA may be able to help coordinate the care they need. When inquiring about care benefits, it is often helpful to contact the local VA care coordination office or a VA social worker, who can help guide the process. Veterans and families can find their nearest VA facility through VA’s facility locator and look up care coordination contacts by medical center.
If you’re exploring senior care options for a loved one, Oasis Senior Advisors can help you compare communities, understand different levels of care, and narrow down choices that fit their needs, preferences, and budget. Contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor to get started