ortunately for Veterans, there are programs to help soften the impact of paying for care. One of the most accessible programs for Veterans of foreign wars is often overlooked. With a little research, Veterans can avail themselves of the much needed aid and attendance assistance that is so generously provided for their care.

As with any assistance program, there are certain conditions that must be met in order to qualify for the veteran benefits. Here are a few guidelines

You may qualify for Aid and Attendance if you get a VA pension and you meet at least one of the requirements listed below:

At least one of these must be true :

You are 65 years or olderOr

 Have a permanent and total disability; You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing

 Or

You have to stay in bed – or spend a large portion of the day in bed – because of illness or You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability

Who can obtain this Aid?

There are two categories of Veterans who are eligible for Aid and Attendance assistance. They Are:

How do I know if I am a qualified Veteran?

Knowing if you qualify for aid and attendance is the first step you will need to establish.The Department of Veterans Affairs website states:

“A Veteran who was discharged from service – NOT under dishonorable conditions, Served 90 days or more of active military, naval or air service with at least 1 day during a period of war.”

• Mail this application or fill out online – Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid & AttendancePermanent Need Examination
• Request for nursing home information in connection with a claim for Aid and AttendanceNursing Home Information
• Link to request your Military Service RecordsMilitary Service Records
• Apply online for servicesApply Online
• VA Pension Rates for VeteransVeterans Pension Rates
• author Vivian Delgado is a team member at Evergreen Cottages Assisted Living Memory Care Community and works daily to improve the lives of residents with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias Contact Evergreen Cottages