Understanding VA Benefits for Assisted Living
As we get ready to commemorate Veterans Day on November 11, now is a good time to understand the relationship between The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and assisted living. Many U.S. military veterans and their spouses are unclear about whether the VA offers additional financial assistance for senior care, like assisted living and you should know that at UMC, we are committed to ensuring that the maximum amount of benefits you are entitled to are applied to the cost of living in our communities.
In addition to the basic VA pension, the VA has a veterans’ pension program called Aid and Attendance that helps veterans and their widowed spouses by providing financial assistance for assisted living, memory care, and other care services for older adults. The first step in qualifying for the Aid and Attendance benefit, is to qualify for the basic VA pension. Here are some of the criteria:
- Must be age 65 or older, or permanently disabled
- Must have received an honorable discharge
- Must have served a minimum of 90 days active duty
- Must have a monthly income and assets valued below the current VA limits subject to a 3 year lookback.
Once someone qualifies for the basic VA pension, they can also qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit by meeting one or more of the additional medical criteria:
- Certain eyesight limitations
- Being bedridden
- Needing assistance to do everyday tasks like getting around the house, cooking, and bathing
- Living in an assisted living community while physically or mentally impaired
How Much VA Benefit Can I Expect?
One common question is, “Do VA benefits pay for assisted living?” and the answer largely depends on if the person in question qualifies for Medicaid. If they don’t qualify for Medicaid, then Aid and Attendance can be helpful in covering the costs that Medicaid doesn’t pay including costs associated with staying at an assisted living community like United Methodist Communities at The Shores.
In addition to paying for residency in assisted living communities, the Aid and Attendance benefit can also go towards supporting the spouse who may still live at home. VA benefits are designed to help the spouses of veterans support themselves, while helping to pay for their spouse’s ongoing medical care.
Veteran Support at UMC at The Shores
Our veterans are owed a debt which is really immeasurable and that those who haven’t served may not fully understand. That’s always at the forefront of our thoughts as we help veterans get the benefits and the security they have earned. UMC at The Shores has experts on hand that understand some veterans have medical conditions and medical needs that require special care. Our assisted living community is designed to fully support those who have served our country and we have medical attendants on-site around the clock to ensure our residents receive the best care possible. Each veteran’s situation is unique and our holistic approach ensures they feel safe, comfortable, independent, and respected.
For more information about UMC at The Shores, please contact us today. We’re also available to answer any questions you might have about assisted living care, and we look forward to hearing from you.
