Did you know that if you served in the United States armed forces, you could qualify for benefits? These benefits can include help with the costs of assisted living, as well as some in-home support. However, the veteran population is often under served in this aspect due to lack of knowledge of the options. Assisted living and nursing care can put a financial burden on the senior and their family. Therefore, knowing your options as a veteran is vital to comfortable and successful aging.

There are a wide range of benefits available depending on your service history and eligibility. Specifically, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) offers funding programs that can help financially support aging care. This U.S. News article outlines the various support you may be eligible to receive. Similar to Medicare, the VA will not cover the cost a veteran or their spouse’s rent. But they could offer reimbursement for other services such as caregiver support.

The VA’s Aid & Attendance and Housebound program is part of the pension benefits paid to veterans and survivors. There are many ways to qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits. Some of these include requiring aid for activities of daily living, or having very poor eyesight.

Getting the word out to veterans and their spouses about these benefits is so important. Given that you can’t know how long you will live or how much money you will need, it’s important to maximize what you have. And VA benefits may be able to help you do that. Applying for benefits can be a little confusing. Trusted professionals at Arizona Elder Care can help you weigh your options. The challenges of senior care are usually magnified by waiting too long to weigh your options. Therefore, start thinking about what assistance you may want before the need is urgent.