The Va And Senior Living
- Disability compensation
- Burial benefits
- Other senior care benefits
Who Qualifies as a Veteran?
Others Eligible for Veterans Benefits
- Veterans dependent
- Surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased Veteran
VA Pension
- Discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable
- Served at least 90 days of active service 1 day of which was during time of war
- Countable family income is below the yearly limit
- The age requirements are stipulated above
Area Agencies On Aging
The AAA is a network of regional offices commissioned by the Federal government to provide program development, information, and resources to seniors at the local level. In many states, the Area Agencies on Aging are also referred to as Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and in the state of Florida, these Agencies work closely with the Department of Elder Affairs. The goal of the Agencies is to facilitate access to care and to reduce confusion in the long-term care coverage arena.
For information relevant to the aging, local AAA offices may be a Florida citizens greatest available resource. Consult the directory below to find the AAA location serving your region.
| Area Agency on Aging |
|---|
| 772-1213 |
Understanding Veteran Pension Benefits In Florida
If you or your spouse previously served in the United States armed forces, you can likely get some or your assisted living costs covered. If you qualify, supplemental veteran pension benefits provide cash assistance for long-term care, including stays in assisted living facilities.
Understanding eligibility requirements can be complex. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office , more than 200 organizations exist to help veterans meet financial eligibility requirements for pension benefits. But not all are qualified, they warned. In fact, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging found some organizations misrepresent themselves while helping veterans apply for pension benefits.
It is best to research the process prior to applying for benefits. If you are just getting started or seeking assistance, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can recommend accredited representation.
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Comfortable Veteran Assisted Living Apartments St Augustine
We pride ourselves in granting as much independence as possible, while still delivering the best care individually suited to each assisted living residents needs. Residents have the ability to choose how to spend their day and are free to join us for meals or dine out as desired. There are also a variety of activities and events that are hosted by the community that can be enjoyed with your family and friends.
Come and see for yourself why we are a great choice for Veterans who are in need of assisted living, call today to schedule your visit to St. Augustine, 904-671-0808. You can also send us a message by filling out the form found on this page and we will contact you shortly.
How Assisted Living Supports Disabled And Senior Veterans
Veterans who come back home with disabilities may no longer be able to live in the homes they left. With some disabilities, veterans have a need for accessible housing, or may need support services if they are unable to live independently.
As they age, elderly veterans experience the same declines in function that all seniors do. When veterans get older, they may be unable to maintain the tasks of independent daily life, including hygiene, housekeeping, and meal preparation.
Assisted living facilities are communities where veterans live in an apartment or rented room. The community typically has shared living spaces, including a dining room and recreational areas with social and entertainment activities. At an assisted living facility, veterans can benefit from trained caregiver assistance, which can offer support for:
- Hygiene, including bathing, dressing and toileting
- Housekeeping, including laundry and cleaning
- Meal preparation
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Retirement Benefits For Military
The majority of retired military are not aware these benefits are available and only a small percent are taking advantage of them. Some benefits are also for spouses. Here is the article to go to: Retirement Benefits for Military
In addition here is a site with many resources for benefits for nursing homes, home care and assisted living: National Care Planning Council
Consultants page : Veterans Consultants
Transitional Housing For Military Vets
- Valley Brook Village by Community Hope in Lyons, New Jersey, Somerset County, for homeless Vets: For homeless or struggling vets for temporary and permanent housing. Always check with your local county Housing Authority for similar programs for vets. They hope this will be a model program for all states. 973-463-9600
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How Can I Get Help Applying For Va Benefits
- Veteran Service Officers, or VSOs, at a VA regional office may be able to offer free, basic guidance on the application process, and answer simple questions about available benefits. VSOs often volunteer across the country at American Legion halls and Veterans of Foreign Wars lodges.
- Veterans organizations, such as VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans may be able to answer questions about benefits and help you prepare your application free of charge.
- Accredited VA consultants can help families assess eligibility for VA long-term care benefits and help with financial planning as you prepare your loved ones application. Accredited VA consultants offer paid assistance to families whose benefit application has been denied. These consultants may be able to help determine why an application wasnt successful and help make any changes before its resubmitted to increase the chances of approval. However, regulations prohibit consultants from charging families for help with an initial claim that hasnt been denied.
- Elder law attorneys can help families with financial planning and the VA benefits application process. When seeking advice, you should look for a reputable attorney who has experience with VA benefits.
A Brief History Of The Va
1818 Service Pension LawGeneral Pension Act of 1862President LincolnVAs mottoThe GI Bill
Veterans Facts
- Army 9.4 million
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Florida Memory Care / Residential Alzheimers Care Costs
Due to the added level of security and supervision of special care units in Florida, memory care costs between $900 $1,200 more each month than traditional assisted living. In 2020, that statewide average cost of memory care is $4,180 per month and $50,160 annually.Given Floridas vast size, there is considerable cost variation. In fact, even in the same geographic areas, the cost of memory care may go up or down by 20% depending on amenities and the occupancy rate of the specific residence. To put it another way: Pensacola in the Panhandle costs about the same as Port St. Lucie in the Southeast, and Miami costs about the same as Tampa . If cost is a concern, it can be worthwhile to visit and negotiate with multiple residences. In fact, Florida residents can even receive free assistance to help find the right memory care home for their budget and needs.
The most expensive city in Florida for memory care is Tallahassee, for about $5,700 per month and $68,400 annually. In Floridas largest city, Jacksonville, memory care costs about $5,090 per month and $61,080. The most expensive city for memory care in Florida is The Villages, an age-restricted community near the middle of the state that spans 30 square miles and has a population of more than 50,000. In The Villages, memory care costs about $6,430 monthly and $77,160 per year. The least expensive place for memory care is Sebring, for about $3,380 monthly and $40,560 annually.
Financial Qualifications For Aid And Attendance Benefit
The applicant must have limited net worth and net income the applicant must have a certain amount in out-of-pocket medical expenses. While the VA does not have a set maximum of assets, the rule of thumb is that the applicant must have less than $80,000 in assets on average, excluding the value of their home and vehicles. A worksheet to determine countable income is available.
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More Ways To Finance Assisted Living
Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.
- Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasnt died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.
- Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.
Veteran Assisted Living Beautiful Apartments St Augustine
Each assisted living resident can have their own apartment, that can be furnished and decorated to match your taste. We offer a variety of layouts and styles apartments, one of which is sure to suit your budget and taste. Residents of our St. Augustine community do not have to worry about stairs, as the entire community is on one level.
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What To Expect After Filing For Aid & Attendance
Processing A& A applications usually takes between six and eight months. The Veterans Administration will issue and deliver a determination letter that tells applicants if they will receive the A& A benefits. Backlogs of claim processing may occasionally slow the approval and determination process.
Veterans and spouses may need to pay for care while waiting for the VA to approve their application and release funds. The VA will reimburse the applicant for payments dating back to the original filing date.
Applicants aged 90 or older may request expedition of the application process by including a cover letter noting their request with the application. The VA gives priority to veterans and surviving spouses who are aged 90 and older.
Tessera of Brandon
Tessera of Brandon is an assisted living and secured ValeoTM memory care neighborhood located near Tampa, Florida. Our dedicated memory care professionals help veterans living with Alzheimers or other memory impairments enjoy a rich, fulfilling life. At Tessera of Brandon, each residents legacy and passions are honored through custom programming designed to increase awareness, cognition and engagement create joyful moments and connections and reduce anxiety or agitation. Contact us today to learn more.
What Kind Of Retirement Homes Are Provided By The Veterans Affairs Office
As for the military veteran retirement home provided by the US government, there are only two locations:
- Armed Forces Retirement Home Washington
- Armed Forces Retirement Home Gulfport
States also operate VA Homes or State Veterans Homes. There is at least one VA Home per state. To find a VA Home near you, contact the VA facility and service center near you. Another consideration is the fact that most of these VA Homes have long waitlists. You may be unable to live in a VA Home even if you are fully eligible due to lack of housing.
Keep in mind that VA Homes provide assisted living, as well as nursing home and adult day care services. These facilities date back to the Civil War when veterans after the war needed somewhere secure to live. Assisted living facilities can be designated as a VA Home by getting certified and surveyed regularly to ensure these meet VA standards.
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How Do I Find Assisted Living Communities Near A Military Base
Start your search for cities with military bases near you. From there you can search for assisted living facilities in that city. While these assisted living centers are going to include a more diverse population than just veterans, chances are high that a good percentage of the residents will be veterans.
This is due to the need for veterans to live near a VA hospital, especially disabled vets or senior veterans with medical issues. They need to be able to visit the hospital for medical care, which requires them to live close by. As a result, if you live in a retirement community with assisted living services near a military base, you are more likely to live among other vets. At the very least, you will be living close to a military base and this grants you access to a strong military community.
Here you are able to participate in professional organizations or military-related service programs more easily. For example, if you are a veteran who wants to volunteer with some service organizations for soldiers, this close proximity to a base gives you that opportunity.
Assisted Living Scope Of Care
All facilities in the state of Florida must obtain a Standard license to operate legally, which allows facilities to provide things like limited medication assistance, housing, promotion of social engagement, and basic assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
In addition to the Standard license, other licensure, such as the Limited Nursing Services, Limited Mental Health, and Extended Congregate Care licenses, may be obtained to allow facilities to provide greater assistance with activities of daily living and mental health care. The ECC license provides the greatest level of assistance for people with physical or mental disabilities and dementia-related illnesses. Properly licensed facilities may also admit home healthcare agencies to assist residents with greater care needs. Obtaining extended licensure allows seniors to age in place rather than being relocated if their health or mental capacity should begin to deteriorate.
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Military Retirement Communities In Washington State
- Patriot’s Landing
DuPont – Puget Sound area and adjacent to bases and Fort Lewis golfcourse – their website says this is the only retirement community dedicated to military in the Pacific Northwest. Apartments, cottages and assisted living and memory care apartments. Luxury amenities. No buy-in requirement.1600 Marshall Circle, DuPont, Wa. – 253-964-4900 Patriot’s Landing
To quote a sentence on the Patriot’s Landing website: “Independence is not determined by home ownership or living alone it is determined by your freedom to make choices each and every day.” _Ft. Lewis, McChord AFB, Naval Base Kitsap, Madigan Army Medical_
Va Nursing Homes And Living Centers:
The VA offers veterans who qualify nursing homes and living centers:
- Community Living Centers
Services may include hospice and palliative care.
On A Personal Note
My husband spent time in a VA Nursing home. Everyone from the heads of departments to the lowest cleaner treated him with the utmost respect and cared for him with unconditional love. I’m talking about the people who cared for him. They were organized, efficient and most of all caring. There was a different attitude than at other nursing homes he had been in. It was as if he was one of their own family members.
It is hard to explain but I can see this is why we should support military facilities and communities. I can’t vouch for all facilities of course, but it is worth checking out.
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How Much Will The Va Pay For Assisted Living
The amount of money a veteran or surviving spouse receives from the VA Aid and Attendance program depends on a figure called income for VA purposes . IAVP is the income of the applicant and their spouse, minus the unreimbursed cost of health care, provided those expenses exceed 5% of the income.
The current maximum monthly VA Pension amounts including Aid and Attendance are:
Free Assisted Living Resources In Florida
Florida residents can explore state resources that can help answer your questions about eligibility for certain types of benefits and how they might apply to assisted living.
Find your local Area Agency on Aging: There are multiple agencies per state, enter your zip code or city to find the one closest to you.
TheFlorida Department of Veterans Affairs may be able to help you determine if your loved one is eligible for VA benefits.
Find Florida Social Security offices where you can understand your benefits and get answers to your questions about claims.
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How Do I Find Veteran Assisted Living Near Me
If you were in the military service for many years and have become well accustomed to that community, then you are a perfect candidate for a military retirement facility. These communities care for military veterans by offering easy access to VA health services, military programs, and volunteer organizations. In addition, if you are an officer or in a particular city where a military base is located, you may be able to gain residency in a military-only retirement community.
The cost of military retirement communities and assisted living varies from low-income to standard pricing. Plus, you may be able to use VA benefits to help pay for some of your assisted living care. Whether you want to get on a waitlist at a popular military retirement home or prefer to join a state-sponsored VA Home, there are plenty of ways to find military assisted living near you.
Does The VA Pay For Assisted Living?
Our short video tutorial will answer a common set of questions: 1) Does the VA pay for Assisted Living Care 2) What might the Veterans Administration pay for and 3) Where should I turn for help?