If your senior loved one is a United States Military veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, they may be eligible for Aid and Attendance as well as other benefits. If your loved one qualifies, Veterans Affairs will provide financial assistance for in-home care, meaning you can save money on in-home care services from Visiting Angels of Chelsea. Of course, every case is different and must be examined on an individual basis. However, at Visiting Angels of Chelsea, we are dedicated to helping veterans get the care they need to make their lives comfortable and joyful.

How Do Veterans Benefits Work?

US Military veterans can qualify for the Aid and Attendance or the Community Care Network programs to help them pay for senior care services. Each program is different and has unique benefits and requirements. Here’s a brief explanation of how each program works:

Aid and Attendance benefits
If your loved one is a veteran who currently receives a VA pension, they may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if they require assistance with daily activities, are bed-bound, live in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight. In this case, “housebound” means that they need to spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. If your loved one qualifies for this program, they would most likely receive additional financial aid added directly to their pension to pay for VA-approved care providers. 

Community Care Network benefits

Community Care Network benefits can also help your loved one pay for in-home care services. If your loved one qualifies for these benefits, they’ll be assigned a service care coordinator who will assess their needs and help them coordinate with veteran service providers in the area. 

How Can Families Apply For Veterans Benefits?

Families can help their loved ones apply for veterans’ benefits by filling out the 10-10EZ form and sending it to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. 

If your loved one would like to apply in person, they can also head down to their local Veterans Center and meet with a service coordinator, social worker, discharge planner, or case manager. These staff members can take an in-depth look at your loved one’s situation and provide them with assistance for applying to different programs. 

To apply, your loved one will need to provide a government ID and documentation of your loved one’s veteran status. You may also be asked to provide financial statements or medical documents regarding your loved one’s situation. Your VA service coordinator will inform you if there are additional requirements for your loved one’s application. 

When Should Seniors Apply For Veterans’ Benefits?

Given that the application and processing periods for veterans’ benefits can be lengthy, it is smart to apply for benefits as soon as possible. The best course of action is to apply for benefits before they are needed to ensure that they are in place by the time they are necessary. 

How Can In-Home Care from Visiting Angels Chelsea Help My Senior Veteran Loved One?

Our team of compassionate veteran caregivers at Visiting Angels of Chelsea is ready to provide your loved one with personalized veteran home care services. We can come to your loved one’s home to provide them with non-medical care services and day-to-day help around the house. With the help of our Angels, your loved one won’t have to worry about needing to travel to a care provider to receive professional care!

Schedule a Complimentary In-Home Care Consultation

If you’d like to learn more about our veteran care services, reach out to our team today by phone at 617-409-9039 or via our online contact form. Our team can help you schedule a free consultation, during which one of our caregivers will come to your home and answer all of your questions regarding our services, costs, scheduling, and more.