How Can an Aging Veteran Know if Long-Term Home Care Will Be Necessary?

There are so many challenges people face as they get older, that sometimes it’s difficult to truly understand what they should do, what options they should consider, and whether or not they will be able to remain home. Veterans and other seniors today prefer to ‘age in place,’ which basically means they want to remain where they are, even if they have difficulty with their own mobility or are facing serious health issues.

There are plenty of things veterans can do to determine whether or not long-term home care will be necessary.

Take an honest assessment of the current situation.

At the moment, they may very well be capable of doing most things without assistance around the house, but has there been any decline in their physical capabilities in recent years? Most people may admit it to themselves, but not to others. For example, a veteran may be having extreme difficulty pushing the lawnmower around but is very hesitant to ask for assistance from anyone else.

Sure, he or she can still do the job, even though it might not be as good of a job, but it’s a clear sign that the individual, the veteran in this case, is beginning to experience a decline in his or her physical capabilities.

What about family history?

Was the veteran’s mother or father facing similar challenges to what they may be looking at? Perhaps a parent or grandparent had been diagnosed with some form of dementia and ultimately ended up in a nursing home.

If there is an increased risk of long-term health issues along with other limitations, then the veteran should contemplate the need for long-term care.

What about affordability?

Some veterans may be limited in their income, especially after they retire. If they couldn’t possibly consider hiring a home care aide because of the cost, they should be encouraged to look into the Aid and Attendance Benefit. This is available for those considered wartime veterans and, when eligible, it can provide more than $2,000 per month for veterans to receive long term home care support.

While it may not be needed now, sitting down and having a plan, including being aware of the requirements for the Aid and Attendance pension through the VA, can save a lot of stress, anxiety, time, and frustration later on. More people should have a plan for the prospect of needing long-term care for themselves or loved ones.

If you or a loved one are considering hiring home care for veterans, please contact the friendly staff at Veterans Care Coordination™. Call today: 1-855-380-4400