Taking care of a loved one who needs help with activities of daily living, such as dressing or bathing, can be overwhelming, and moving them to an assisted living community could be the best option. This is because assisted living communities primarily offer services that help the residents with activities of daily living, and several amenities that make the lives of the residents easier and more exciting.
Sometimes, keeping up with the cost of assisted living could be a challenge for you or your loved one. However, if you’ve bee in the military, and considering or currently in assisted living, you might have access to financial aid options, to help cover the cost of assisted living. Note that the VA does not directly pay for assisted living costs, like room and board. However, there may be other ways you can utilize VA benefits and programs to help cover this cost. Here are a few VA benefits for assisted living that you might not know about:
Aid and Attendance Pension
This benefit is for veterans and surviving spouses, who require assistance with activities of daily living. It’s a tax-free pension that can be used to pay for assisted living, home health care, or in-home care. To qualify, you or your spouse must have served in the military for at least 90 days, with at least one day during a wartime period, and you must be at least 65 years old, or permanently disabled.
Housebound Allowance
If you’re a veteran or surviving spouse, and confined to your home due to a disability, you may be eligible for a Housebound Allowance. This benefit can be used to pay for assisted living or in-home care. To qualify, you must be receiving a VA Pension or Disability Compensation, and have a permanent disability that requires you to be confined to your home.
Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA)
If you’re a veteran or surviving spouse with a disability, you may be eligible for HISA. This benefit can be used to make necessary home modifications, such as adding ramps or handrails, to make your home more accessible. It can also be used to pay for assisted living, if the modifications are necessary for you to live in the assisted living community.
Geriatric Evaluation Program
The Geriatric Evaluation Program is a free assessment program for veterans over the age of 65. It helps identify any health problems and determine the best care options. This program can be a great resource for finding out about VA benefits for assisted living, as well as other options for long-term care.
VA Medical Benefits
If you’re enrolled in VA health care, you may be eligible for medical benefits that can be used to pay for assisted living. This could include home health care or respite care, which provides temporary relief for caregivers.
State Veterans Homes
Many states have state veterans homes that provide assisted living and nursing home care for veterans. These homes are funded in part by the VA, and may offer additional VA benefits to residents.
Long-Term Care Insurance
The VA offers long-term care insurance to eligible veterans and their families. This insurance can be used to pay for assisted living, nursing home care, and other types of long-term care.
