As the number of aging veterans grows nationwide, the need for personalized senior care can become a significant concern for them and their families. The financial aspects can sometimes be the biggest challenge.

Many older adults who served in the U.S. military — including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard — aren't aware they may be eligible for in-home personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA).

Call 864-881-0520 to learn how we can help your loved one age in place!

Who Qualifies For Veterans Benefits?

If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for home care. Veterans may qualify for personal home care or health benefits through the VA if they meet the following criteria:

• Served in the active military, naval, or air service and were separated under any condition other than dishonorable.
• Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the entire period for which they were called or ordered to active duty.

How Do Veterans Benefits Work?

U.S. military veterans may qualify for personal care benefits through the Aid and Attendance or the Community Care Network programs.

Here's how each program works:

• Aid and Attendance benefits
• Veterans who receive a VA pension may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if they need help with daily activities, are bed-bound, live in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight. Veterans may qualify for "Housebound" benefits if they need to spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. In most cases, benefits are paid directly to the veteran and added to their monthly pension.
• Community Care Network benefits
• Veterans who qualify for Community Care Network benefits may be eligible for assistance with home health care costs. Qualified veterans will be assigned to a service care coordinator, who will determine how many hours per week the veteran requires care and help the family connect with caregivers in their area. Community Care Network benefits are paid directly to partner organizations.

How Can Families Apply For Veterans Benefits?

Families can apply for personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration by completing the 10-10EZ form and sending it to the Veterans Administration.

Veterans can also visit a local Veterans Center and ask to speak to a service coordinator, social worker, discharge planner, or case manager. These staff members can assist veterans with their applications and answer questions about the program.

You must provide identification and documentation of your loved one's veteran status. You may also be asked to provide financial statements or medical documents. Your VA service coordinator can provide more information about the documents you must provide with your application.

When Should Seniors Apply For Veterans' Benefits?

The best time to apply for home care benefits through the VA is before your loved one needs to use them. Application processing times can be lengthy, and the application should be started as soon as possible to avoid paying out of pocket for in-home care while you wait for approval.

Visiting Angels of Spartanburg: Veteran's Affairs Community Care Network Member

Eligible veterans can use this network to get care from doctors other than the VA hospital closest to them. This dramatically helps older soldiers because they might need services that are unavailable at the VA center near them. Veterans can get many different kinds of professional home care through the Community Care Network. They can pay for these services with VA benefits.

First, soldiers can't access the Community Care Network until they get a recommendation from their VA doctor. They can talk to their VA doctor or the VA's care coordination department to request a recommendation. If veterans need help, they can get it from Visiting Angels Richmond or another service they choose.

Professional home care services are beneficial for older soldiers who choose to stay in their own houses. Visiting Angels of Spartanburg is committed to providing high-quality, individualized in-home senior care for veterans in Spartanburg, Duncan, Taylors, Una, and nearby towns. Because we work with the Soldiers Affairs Community Care Network, we are happy to help older soldiers stay in the places they love.

Contact Visiting Angels of Spartanburg

To set up a free appointment at your home today, call our Spartanburg, SC office at 864-881-0520 or complete our form.