Options for Veterans to Get Help In-Home Care
Ted Pease, Owner of Right at Home Main Line, Joins Slutsky Elder Law as a Guest Contributor.
More than 44% of all Veterans are 65 or older. These Vets served in World War2, Korea, Vietnam, and some in the First Gulf War. Most Veterans from these war times qualify for some form of VA Health Care Benefits. In addition to our senior Veteran population, many disabled Veterans qualify for the programs discussed below. Recently the PACT Act expanded VA Healthcare benefits to a significantly larger population of Veterans that may have been exposed to harmful toxins while serving in more recent wars (Operation Iraqi Freedom, The War on Terror…etc). Below is a quick overview of two key VA programs which help Elderly Veterans and disabled Veterans who need in-home care options.
- VA Healthcare Benefits – VA Extended Care: This is care at home which covers Geriatrics, Long Term Care and Planning, Home Based & Community Care, and even Nursing and Residential Care Homes.
These programs bring care to you! These days, a lot of seniors emphasize aging in place. They want to maintain their independence at home for as long as possible. The VA’s Extended Care and Community Care programs help with that. You may qualify for in-home assessments and direct in-home medical care. The VA can also provide chair lifts, medical equipment, wheelchair ramps, most supplies needed to help during the aging process, and transportation to appointments!
With the VA’s Community Care program, you may also qualify for Homemaker and Home Health Aid Care. These Caregivers will help complete Activities of Daily Living that may have become difficult or as Respite Care for the Veteran’s primary caregiver.
- VA Aid and Attendance Program – For In-Home Care or Housebound Veterans
This program is a monthly stipend paid to Veterans, and their spouses, for in-home care who are considered home bound and meet certain income and net-worth requirements. This program is separate, and in addition to, the Veteran’s pension, disability, and other VA benefits. If you need help completing Activities of Daily Living and/or may be considered home-bound, these programs may be for you!
How to Apply:
- Verify Eligibility: https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
- Request a copy of your DD-214: https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/
- Apply for Health Care benefits: https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
- Apply for Aid and Attendance: https://www.va.gov/pension/how-to-apply/
When applying, you will generally need to have a copy of the Veteran’s DD-214 (discharge document). Also, some income limits may apply. I highly recommend calling your closest VA Hospital’s Office of Eligibility and Enrollment to speak to a local person if you have any questions. Also, if you’re having difficulty applying, you can always request a VA advocate when you call their main line to help you work through the process.
Right at Home Main Line is a Veteran owned and operated home care company. We specialize in helping Veterans navigate the aging process, and in helping them receive all the benefits they’ve earned. If you have any questions, please call 610-566-6650 and ask for Ted!