Veterans Assisted Living Information 

To find Veterans assisted living information you can go to the VA Healthcare website.  However,  we hope this page will bring some further clarity about the VA Aid and Attendance Program, veterans health benefits, and caregiver benefits. 

Contents:

VA Aid and Attendance Program
Basic Qualifications for Program
Top Concerns of Seniors
Financial Planners

Caregivers

Caregiver Support

Assisted Living for Military Veterans General Information

To Do List
Searching for assisted living and retirement communities

VA Aid and Attendance Program

There is a program for veterans assisted living that is relatively unknown.   It is called the VA Aid and Attendance Program, available since 1951.  The problem is most veterans have never heard of it--and are not taking advantage of these amazing benefits for our veterans.

In addition to this program, also see Supportive Government Website for Veterans information below.

Basic Eligibility

Here are the basic requirements to qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance Program (verify all information):

• You must have been in the military during wartime--a period of one of the wars--there are definite dates assigned. 
• You must have an honorable discharge.
• You must be permanently disabled or over age 65.
• You must have served at least 90 days. 
And served at least one day in wartime.

Additionally, if you qualify above, you must prove the veteran needs help with living:  

• Living in an assisted living facility or nursing home 
• In need of home care 
• Is in need of attendance by another person 
• And/or is permanently housebound 

The above are all ways to prove need.  Examples of assistance are:

• help with medication management 
• bathing  
• dressing 

The VA will look at your assets, income and medical expenses in determining qualification. There is a formula. It is best to consult with a financial adviser who knows about the VA Aid and Attendance program for veterans and who can advise you on how best to apply and if you will qualify.  Or call or go directly to VA.  You will also need your DD-214 form (discharge papers).

If you do have long term care insurance, you can still get the benefit if you qualify.  Money from Long term care insurance is considered income. 

Here is what you can get...

If you meet the requirements, you may be eligible for a monthly stipend for veteran with spouse or a different amount per month for a single veteran. You can use this for your care.

Surviving Spouse

There are also surviving spouse benefits. A surviving spouse can receive a monthly stipend if they qualify. These rules for spouse qualifying have some specific requirements so please ask your adviser or the VA about the requirements for surviving spouses. Surviving spouses must have their marriage certificate.

Seniors Top Concerns

What are the top concerns of seniors today.

• Outliving their money

• Cost of long term care including home care

• How to leave their money to their heirs without probate and high taxes 

One would think the top concern of seniors would be for their health, but outliving one's money can be disastrous, leaving you without resources if your health goes bad.  VA may be able to help with this serious concern.  Just contact them and see what benefits may be applied.

Veterans have outstanding benefits available to them.  

Here is a phone number for a VA rep for this program: 1-800-827-1000 - push option 1, then 1 again and then 0.  It's a good place to start.  They can give some information on qualifying and send you an application as well as answer any other questions you have. 

Financial Planners

You may need some planning before applying and this is where the financial adviser can be of help. Ask about the Special Needs Trust to protect your assets. This is designed to save your money for any eventual need you may have for long term care. 

Talking with a certified financial planner about the VA Aid and Attendance program early on may be helpful.  There are ones that specialize in understanding this program and they can help determine if you qualify.

You can also get information from rehab and nursing homes, assisted living communities and the VA.

Caregiver Support Benefit From VA

The job of caregiving is hard, and this role can last a long time, eventually taking its toll on the caregiver and possibly impairing their health.  One needs to take care of oneself in order to continue giving care.  You will hear that over and over from health care providers. This may entail at some point getting help.  No one likes to take help from others.  Most of us tend to believe we are invincible.  From first-hand experience I can tell you we are not.  Many devastating diseases can take an unimaginable toll on caregivers, especially if this role goes on for a substantial period of time.  

Government Website for caregivers:

Wonderful information and help for veterans and their caregivers and new caregiver services for post 911 veterans.  Or call them at their help line to get started:  

VA Caregiver Support Line

1-855-260-3274

More Assisted Living Help for Veterans--Supportive Government for care website:  

VA Services for Caregiver Support

Interested to know what supportive benefits there are:    

• Adult Day Care
• Home Care
• Skilled Home Care
• Home Health Aide or Homemaker Program
• Respite Program
• Hospice

Here is where you'll find the VA Explanation of Caregiver Services.

For General VA Help and Information:

For all information concerning veteran's health care that you may be eligible for see this website page.

To Do

1. Visit the VA website for healthcare and browse their benefits for veterans.  In addition to other veterans benefits you may be receiving, you may be eligible for

• VA Aid and Attendance Program for vets and spouses monthly stipend--must meet eligibility requirements
• Caregivers Help

   2. Visit the Caregiver Help Website and call today if you need assistance such as a home aide, a respite stay, adult day care and more.

Independent and Assisted Living Communities

Determine what services you need to know what type of community you are looking for.  

• Nursing home
• Assisted Living community
• Adult Daycare
• Home Care
• Memory Care
• Respite
• Rehab

When you seek healthcare help from the VA, like any other medical situation, be prudent and do your research in choosing providers and treatment.