If your father served in the United States military, he is considered a veteran. For veterans of all ages, the VA offers a variety of assistance programs and even free healthcare through local VA hospitals and clinics. If you believe that your veteran father might require some type of home care, there is a pension program that may be able to help him afford it.
It is called the Aid and Attendance benefit. It was instituted by Congress in 1952 as a part of Title 38 of the United States Code. Even though it’s been in existence for more than 60 years, most veterans aren’t aware of it.
In order to qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, the veteran would need to have served at least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one of those days during a time of official combat. The VA has a list of the exact dates that are considered active combat, but they include World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam conflict, and the Gulf War.
If you believe that your father may qualify for this benefit program, he will also need a completed medical form signed by a physician, stating that he requires some type of assistance with activities of daily living. Five signs that your father may require home care include:
- He has trouble with his basic care at home.
This could include doing laundry and other light housekeeping duties. If he has trouble with these things, he may qualify for some level of assistance.
- He struggles with his balance.
If your father has trouble with his balance, it could pose a risk when taking a shower and doing other activities around the house. He may benefit by having a home care aide working with him at certain times throughout the week.
- He is recovering from an illness or major surgery.
If your veteran father suffered a heart attack, stroke, or other serious health crisis or had major surgery, he may benefit from home care. If he meets the VA’s qualifications, he may also qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit.
- He requires more significant support at home.
If your father struggles to get out of bed and get dressed in the morning, or has trouble getting on and off the toilet, he should have some type of home care provider working with him.
- If he requires any form of direct nursing care at home.
If your father requires a nurse to come to his home to administer medications, changed an IV, or provide other medical care, then he may qualify for home care assistance through the VA.
If you think your father needs home care, and that he may qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, call Veterans Home care at (888) 314-6075 or go to www.veteranshomecare.com/our-unique-services/.
