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Veterans are our modern-day reflection of superheroes! Their contribution to our society will significantly impact all the generations to come!
That is why veterans deserve the best possible care during their senior years. And what better way to provide care for veterans in a familiar environment than home care? Let us investigate why home health care is a better option for retirees than retirement communities, who are eligible, and most importantly, the benefits of such care!
The impact of veterans on our society
Veterans have made countless sacrifices in service to our country. They have fought in wars, protected people’s freedom, and kept America safe. Everyone looks up to the memory of veterans, and the desire to continue such a legacy has a multigenerational impact.
Veterans in the US come from all walks of life, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to our communities. This is true in particular for senior veterans, whose contributions in the past have created a lasting impact even today.
7 Facts about veterans in the US
- There are at least 16.5 million veterans in the US.
- Around 49% of all veterans are 65 or older.
- Nearly 10% of veterans are female, which is around 1.65 million.
- The biggest group of older veterans is 5.5 million, who served during the Vietnam War era.
- World War II veterans made up the US’s smallest group of war-time veterans, around 183,000.
- A majority of older veterans have higher incomes. But their financial safety could be better regarding home equity and savings.
- The average median income of senior veterans is $59,000 – $60,000.
Home health care for veterans: An overview
Home health care is provided in the home, combining many services of memory care (for dementia home care needs), skilled nursing, and assisted living. This service can be provided by various healthcare professionals, including nurses, therapists, social workers, and home health aides. Home health for veterans is a care that includes the following:
- Personal care: Personalized care includes bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Medication management: Medication management includes helping veterans to take their prescriptions correctly, safely, and precisely when needed.
- Nutrition: A nutritional guidance includes helping veterans eat a healthy diet and manage their weight.
- Housekeeping: Housekeeping involves light work, including cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation.
- Transportation: Such services include helping veterans get to and from doctor’s appointments and other appointments in general.
- Socialization: A critical service for home-based care, this entails helping veterans connect with friends and family and participate in activities they enjoy.
- Respite care: Respite care services are part of home health care and provide temporary relief for family caregivers.
To learn more about home care in America, have a look at the following articles you may find insightful!
- The growing importance of home care
- What is a primary home care
- Retirement in America and what it looks like
Who is eligible for the veteran’s home care program?
To be eligible, veterans must meet specific requirements, such as:
- Be a veteran of the US Armed Forces; this includes the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, and the Coast Guard.
- War-time periods for veterans should be the Mexican Border period, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam War era, and the Gulf War.
- Have a service-connected disability (injured during service and requires support).
- Be homebound or have trouble leaving their home.
- Require skilled nursing or therapeutic services (generally aligns with point number 3).
- Be enrolled in the VA health care program.
- Identified as meeting the clinical criteria for each program
- Eligible for community care.
- Live in a location with service or program availability.
List of benefits for veterans through home healthcare
- The ability to stay in their own home can benefit veterans to maintain their independence to perform daily activities and a sense of control.
- Furthermore, being in a familiar environment can considerably improve a veteran’s well-being, fostering an atmosphere of security and emotional stability.
- Beyond physical care, home health providers offer companionship and emotional support. As a result, veterans won’t feel isolation or loneliness.
- By receiving care at home, veterans are exposed to fewer external germs and infections that may be prevalent in healthcare facilities. This greatly enhances their overall health and well-being. In addition, this also reduces the risk of hospitalization.
- Home health care can help to improve veterans’ mental and emotional health through the support of companionship.
- Reduced stress on family caregivers is an essential aspect of home health care. This comes in the form of respite care.
- Home health care offers the flexibility to adapt to the veteran’s schedule and preferences. As a result, such a service provides a level of convenience that is unlikely in an institutional environment.
Related articles:
- Long-term care benefits for veterans
- A home health care benefits
- Veteran qualifications for senior care
Home health care for veterans with dementia
Dementia is a common cognitive condition among older adults. It is even more difficult for veterans as many have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). At least 7 out of 100 veterans have PTSD, and this, coupled with signs of dementia, can be even more challenging.
As a result, Home health care providers are trained to handle such cases and offer dementia home care services.
Note to remember: Veterans with Alzheimer’s or dementia have access to all VA health care benefits, from preventive care to specialized treatment.
Best veterans home health care services
Retirement communities in the US are dedicated to ensuring veterans receive the best care possible, just like their existing residents. But as you can see, the list of benefits
For aging veterans, it is advisable to take home care services as the benefits far outweigh that of living in nursing homes or assisted living, for starters! Below, we have compiled a list of a few US home care agencies offering dedicated support for US veterans.
And the best part is, most of these agencies can be found all across America, in most major cities!
VA Home Health Care
SYNERGY Homecare
Maxim Healthcare Services
Accessible Home Health Care of Houston
Comfort Keepers
Cornerstone Home Healthcare
Home Instead Senior Care
Right At Home
All Heart Home Care
FirstLight Homecare
Many other agencies cater specifically to aging veterans regarding home health care. If you or your loved one require services related to a home health aide for veterans or looking to connect with the right home care agency in the US, contact BoomersHub today!
Our access to a vast network of home care agencies can help you find exemplary service for a veteran dear to you! Click here for a free consultation!
Financing in-home health care for veterans
We invite you to read the articles below to understand better how to use your finances to strengthen your monetary safety net for retirement. Using such strategies can improve your chances of having dedicated home care services as long as you require them!
- Paying for home care in the US
- The best 401k to Self-directed IRA strategy
- The nest egg calculator
- Roth IRA vs. savings
Final thoughts
A life spent protecting the foundations of what defines America should be welcomed home with open arms, and it is! In the form of home health care, the benefits given to veterans and their families through the VA are the best gift we can offer our cherished heroes!
FAQs
Will the VA pay for a caregiver?
It depends on whether the veterans are enrolled in the VA program. Firstly, it has to be proven that the veteran in question requires assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) from a caregiver. This includes being home-bound (difficulty leaving home). If so, family members of veterans can get paid a monthly fee of at least $2,000.
Do veterans qualify for free nursing homes?
Most veterans will not actually qualify for free nursing home services. There are certain costs involved. VA benefits significantly reduce the subsidized cost.
Can I get paid to take care of my disabled veteran father?
Yes, the VA provides the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. This program offers financial support, access to healthcare, training, and more for family members who serve as primary caregivers for eligible post-9/11 veterans.
Are veterans’ spouses eligible for free VA medical care?
Spouses of veterans may be eligible for certain healthcare benefits through the VA. Eligibility criteria and available services can vary, so it’s best to contact the local VA office for specific information.
Do military veterans get free healthcare for life?
Veterans are eligible for healthcare services through the VA, but it is not entirely free as many factors include income, service-related disabilities, and other considerations.
Is VA medical care free for all veterans?
VA medical care is not commonly free for all veterans. Veterans have to be eligible to apply for such benefits. Several factors, including income level, service-related disabilities, and other considerations, determine eligibility for veterans.
