Approaching a move to a senior living community can sometimes seem like an emotional marathon for families and seniors. Add the complexities of pricing and affordability and it can seem overwhelming.
What is Elder Law?
Elder Law involves planning for the complex health care, long term care, and other issues facing elderly and disabled clients and their families. A major portion of an elder law practice involved planning for long term care and other complicated issues that often accompany aging and disability.
Seeing an elder law attorney is appropriate for any person who is concerned about long term care, either directly or for an elderly or disabled family member.
Veterans Benefits
Assisted living services can be vital in preserving quality of life and dignity for an individual, but sometimes seniors need financial assistance. Fortunately, for the brave men and women who have served our country, they may be able to take advantage of a special Veterans Benefit called the Aid and Attendance Benefit to help pay for their care.
What is the Aid and Attendance Benefit?
The Aid and Attendance (A&A) Benefit is an Improved Pension benefit, meaning it is paid in addition to monthly pension. The A&A allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, medication management, or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care in an Assisted Living community also qualifies.
There are no restrictions on how VA pension benefits can be used provided it is for the benefit of the veteran or their surviving spouse. It can be applied toward skilled nursing, assisted living facility, in home or adult day care services, or to fund home modifications to accommodate for a disability.