Does the VA have a Caregiver Program in Florida?

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veterans

Growing older has its challenges, and receiving dependable in-home assistance can improve seniors’ quality of life. Elderly Florida veterans who have bravely served the country may be eligible to enroll in caregiving programs designed to support them with their daily activities.

What is the VA Aid and Attendance Pension program?

The Veterans Administration offers its veterans the Aid and Attendance Pension program, which provides monthly payments in addition to the monthly VA pension for veterans who qualify. Aging veterans must meet eligibility requirements in order to receive financial help.

Qualifying veterans receive a monthly payment upward of $1,794 per month from the A&A Pension program. Surviving spouses receive $1,153 and couples receive $2,127 per month. When a veteran files with a sick spouse, the couple may be eligible to receive up to $1,410 monthly.

These funds can be used to pay for a professional caregiver who helps them with daily activities at home. For instance, caregivers assist them with rudimentary tasks, like dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting. Medication management and transportation to appointments are included services.

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What are the eligibility requirements?

Veterans must first qualify for the A&A Pension program. At least one out of four criteria must be met: (1) they need help with the ADLs; (2) they are bedridden due to illness; (3) they are in a nursing home due to disability; or (4) their eyesight is limited.

Veterans must also have been on active military status, served for 90 days during an approved time of war (such as World War II, Korean War, or Vietnam War), and had an honorable discharge. The program is based on financial need, so veterans must meet income requirements.

Plus, veterans may be eligible for this benefit if they receive a VA pension and are homebound due to a permanent disability. Veterans are not eligible to receive both the Aid and Attendance benefits and the Household benefits at the same time.

 

What is the application process?

The application process requires that veterans fill out VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) and mail it to their state’s pension management center. Veterans can also apply in person at their local VA regional office.

In their application, veterans can include important information, such as a doctor’s report that provides evidence of the need for Aid and Attendance or Housebound care. They might add information about how they get to places and how their disability affects their independence.

Claims are processed in the order the VA receives them, so veterans will likely wait several months before a decision is made. However, once an applicant is approved, they receive retroactive benefits that go back to the original application date.

The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs offers veterans a wide selection of resources that can point them to legal aid, help with Veterans Administration claims, and more. They work with Florida’s County Veteran Services Offices to help veterans with advocacy and receive benefits or referrals.

 

What types of in-home help do veterans receive?

Eligible veterans over the age of 65 or their spouses can pay for a wide range of in-home assistance using the funds from the VAs pension program. Support with personal hygiene tasks, such as dressing, grooming, and bathing are provided. Transfer assistance into and out of bed is included.

The home environment is a major contributor to their overall health. Home care professionals keep the veteran’s home hygienic and comfortable with light housekeeping services, from laundry to dusting. Fall risks are averted when caregivers remove clutter and perform fall-risk assessments.

Veterans in Florida utilizing in-home care receive timely medication reminders and transportation to doctors’ offices or therapy sessions. Caregivers prepare healthy meals. Home care services like these help aging veterans stay on top of their physical health and live a better quality of life.

Assisting Hands Home Care

How does home care improve veterans’ quality of life?

Home care is the answer for aging veterans who wish to age in place. They have the opportunity to live in familiar surroundings and continue to be a part of their community. These factors contribute significantly to a higher quality of life—and the A&A Pension program makes it possible.

The VAs A&A Pension program is a great resource for older veterans with limited financial means. As a reminder, the funds from this pension program are paid in addition to the basic pension paid to veterans. Eligible veterans receive the financial help they need to pay for home care.

The Veterans Administration estimates that over two million veterans qualify for their A&A Pension program but less than a quarter take advantage of it. Although this program enhances the quality of life for elderly veterans, relatively few veterans are aware of it.

Florida veterans in need of non-medical help at home are encouraged to apply for the VAs A&A Pension program. While waiting for approval, veterans should explore reputable home care agencies, like Assisting Hands Home Care Orlando, that can provide them with meaningful help.

Assisting Hands Home Care

Our home care agency has earned an excellent reputation for dedicated elder care. We support veterans as well as non-veterans with their daily non-medical needs. Veteran home care is provided in the comfort and security of home and fulfills seniors’ wishes to age in place.

Professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are trained to provide quality care. They are licensed, bonded, and insured to give families and their aging loved ones maximum peace of mind. Caregivers know how to respond in an emergency and are trained in CPR and first aid.

Schedules are flexible and care options can be updated as needs change. We are available for short-term respite care, post-surgical care and overnight care. Specialized care is also available; our caregivers provide compassionate Alzheimer’s and dementia care, Parkinson’s care as well as hospice care.

Florida veterans who would benefit from extra support at home can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care Orlando for quality care. Our services are available to seniors living in Winter Park, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Schedule a free in-home consult and experience how senior home care promotes well-being.