Did you know that there are more than 12.4 million veterans 65 years and older living in this US? The Federal government provides a range of benefits for these veterans and their caregivers. Below is a list those benefits and resources available.
What Benefits are Available for Older Veterans?
Older veterans have numerous options available through the Veterans Administration and may be eligible for the following:
- Geriatrics and Extended Care Services (GEC): is committed to optimizing the health and well-being of veterans with multiple chronic conditions, life-limiting illness, frailty or disability associated with chronic disease, aging or injury.
- Home and Community Based Services: These services help chronically ill or disabled veterans of any age remain in their homes. You can receive more than one service at the same time.
- Residential Settings and Nursing Homes: These services include community residential care, assisted living, and community nursing homes.
- Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefit for Veterans: is an increased monthly pension amount paid if you meet the eligibility requirements. Learn more about it here.
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers of Veterans: This benefit provides certain medical, travel, training, and financial benefits to caregivers of certain veterans and service members who were seriously injured during service on or after September 11, 2001. Learn more from about it here.
- Contingency Management Program: is an evidence-based practice that promotes healthy behavior through positive reinforcement, such as giving rewards for abstaining from an unhealthy behavior for those struggling with sobriety.
To learn more, you should contact a VA regional office and discuss these benefits with an employee to determine if you are eligible, how to fill out the forms, and what steps you need to take.
What Resources are Available for Caregivers of Veterans?
Caregivers of veterans will need support from within and outside their community. There are a number of resources available for the caregivers to find support, including:
- Department of Veterans Affairs’ Caregiver Support Line: The support line can discuss assistance available from the VA, help access services, answer questions about eligible services, or connect caregivers with the Caregiver Support Coordinator at the closest VA Medical Center. To contact, call: 1-855-260-3274
- Department of Veterans Affairs’ Caregiver Support: This website provides resources for caregivers and Veterans, including resources available to caregivers, and videos and stories of caregivers of Veterans. The website also has a zip code lookup feature, allowing caregivers and Veterans to find the name and contact information of the closest Caregiver Support Coordinator.
- Veterans Health Library:Â This website provides information on common health issues faced by veterans, including information related to caring for a Veteran with a specific illness, injury, or condition.
- Department of Veterans Affairs’ Guide to Long Term Services and Supports: This website provides an overview of VA long-term services and supports.
- Respite Care:Â This is designed to relieve the family Caregiver from the constant burden of caring for a chronically ill or disabled veteran at home. Services can include in-home care, a short stay in an institutional setting or adult day health care.
- Dental Care Resources for Veterans: Emergency Dentists has put together a guide that provides information on everything you need to know about dental care for active duty and retired veterans.
- Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Veterans:Â Find A Veteran's Treatment Center Near Me technology uses the location of your computer, tablet, or cell phone to generate a local listing of veteran addiction treatment centers in and around your community.
The best place to start is by researching the information above and contacting the VA Caregiver support line to learn more. You can call 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about caregiver and veteran support available. We need to care for our older veterans and the best way to begin is by being prepared and knowledgeable of all resources and benefits available.
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