While many people know military veterans may receive benefits, defining what those benefits are and how one can qualify to receive them is more complex. So, lets break it down, and cover some of the basics you should know about veteran care and housing benefits, and how you can apply to receive them.
First Things First: How Does the Federal Government Define a Veteran?
According to Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, a veteran is:
a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
This means individuals who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or the Coast Guard and received an honorable discharge are rightly veterans. It's not limited to those who were activated or served in a war zone. All members of the military who served and ultimately left the military under honorable circumstances are veterans. Understanding this definition provides the foundation for getting benefits.
The Different Types of Military Service
The type of service most people think of is full-time or active duty. Military members in this category may be called to serve any time. The only exceptions are active-duty military who are on an authorized leave or who have received a pass (authorized time off.) Serving as active duty for certain amounts of time does impact the ability to receive certain veteran benefits.
Part-time military typically serve a minimum of one weekend per month, plus two full weeks of training per calendar year in the Reserves or as members of the National Guard. Part-time status is usually not enough to qualify for many types of benefits. However, part-time military can be called into active duty for extended periods of time. Should the amount of time spent as ADT reach a certain level, a broader range of benefits may be available. There are different provisions that would apply for National Guard members versus Reserve members.
What Sorts of Benefits are Available to Veterans?
These benefits generally apply to those who served as active duty for a minimum number of years. In some cases, part-time veterans might accrue enough full-time duty to qualify for some of these benefits:
Counseling: Veterans who need counseling as the result of performing their duties or undergoing some sort of life trauma may see a qualified therapist or counselor for free or minimal charges.
Housing and home loan benefits: Because all veterans deserve a safe place to live, these benefits may focus on helping to cover home purchase costs or financing for buying a residential property. There may also be supported to help a veteran lease an apartment or house.
Job Training: Along with skills and education obtained while in the service, veterans may qualify for ongoing education for a particular trade or career path. The training may take place at a training facility, a community college, a technical school, or a university. In some cases, the benefits may also apply for an apprenticeship.
Small Business Financing: A veteran who starts or buys a small business may qualify for benefits that help the operation to get established or expand through start-up loans or capital for expansion. These types of financing are overseen by the Small Business Administration.
Access to Medical Care: General medical care may be offered through facilities that operate especially for military personnel, either active duty or those who are honorably discharged. That includes clinics, doctors' offices, dental services, and other forms of basic medical care. There are also benefits for treating ongoing ailments or severe injuries that typically involve visits to a hospital or medical center operated by the Veterans Administration.
Disability Compensation: A veteran may receive ongoing compensation if they are disabled to provide them a measure of financial stability. When bundled with other sources of disability support, this compensation ensures a veteran has enough income to enjoy a decent standard of living.
Pensions: Veterans who qualify based on the type and duration of service may receive pensions. As with other forms of compensation, the military pension provides a necessary measure of financial security.
Do All Veterans Get Benefits?
Not all veterans are eligible for various benefits. Those most likely to qualify for the most benefits are those who served full-time and successfully fulfilled their military commitment, which includes an honorable discharge.
Part-time veterans, on the other hand, are not likely to qualify for some or all benefits. This would include those who served in the National Guard or the Reserves. While it's true that they do have short periods of active-duty time, those are typical during training and are not sufficient to qualify. An exception would be if those part-time members were activated by the federal government and served full-time for the minimum required.
Veterans who are dishonorably discharged typically lose access to all or most types of benefits. This would be true for full-time or active-duty military, as well as part-time military who would have otherwise served enough full time to qualify.
How to Apply for Veterans Benefits?
There are multiple ways to apply for veteran benefits. In general, it's possible to submit applications in-person at most VA locations, but any benefits applications can be submitted online. There is always an option to fill out applications and submit them by post.
For example, say you want to receive the veterans aid and attendance benefit. This benefit is for full-time veterans who served a minimum of 90 consecutive days of active duty, with at least one full day of that duty taking place during wartime. The applicant must also qualify for a basic pension and meet other financial and clinical requirements. Complete the VA Form 21-2680 and mail it to the nearest pension management center. You can also apply in-person at the nearest Veterans Regional Office. It can be confusing to navigate the forms and documentation needed to apply for benefits. To simplify the process, work through a partner who can help you qualify and apply for the benefits you deserve. For example, Talem Home Care partners with the Vet Assist Program to help veteran at no cost. This assistance saves you a lot of time and helps you identify benefits you may have otherwise overlooked.
Benefits for the Children of Veterans
Children of veterans may be eligible to receive several types of benefits related to education, healthcare, housing expenses, and job training. If the vet is deceased, the offspring may be able to claim benefits to help with burial expenses, as well as a survivor pension.
Do veteran's widows get benefits?
Surviving spouses of deceased vets qualify for the same benefits as the children. This includes access to a monthly pension; help with burial expenses; job training costs; and help to offset the cost of affordable housing.
Whether you're a veteran curious about your available benefits or the surviving spouse or child of a vet, it pays to find out what benefits you're entitled to receive. Rather than wading through all the red tape to find the information that you need, contact Talem Home Care Broomfield at(720) 797-8548. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many benefits are yours once you take the time to apply.
As we move through life, we accumulate objects that tell the story of who we are and the relationships weve cherished. For seniors, these items often hold even deeper meaningeach photo, letter, and memento carries with it a lifetime of memories. But over time, these treasured possessions can become overwhelming, taking up space and creating clutter. The challenge lies in finding ways to honor these memories while maintaining a home that feels organized, peaceful, and comfortable.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that decluttering is not just about making space; its about preserving the essence of what matters most. Our goal is to help you organize your most precious senior possessions with love and respect, creating a living environment that reflects your unique journey. In this blog, well explore how to thoughtfully organize keepsakes so that theyre both accessible and lovingly preserved for years to come.Curating Your Collection with CareWhen it comes to organizing treasured possessions, its important to approach the process with care and intention. Each item holds a memory, a connection, or a piece of history, so the goal is not to discard these items, but to thoughtfully curate a collection that truly represents your lifes most meaningful moments.Step 1: Begin with ReflectionBefore diving into the organization process, take some time to reflect on which items hold the most emotional value. Sorting through personal belongings can be a deeply emotional experience, so its essential to go at your own pace. Ask yourself: Which items make you smile when you see them? Which ones carry stories you want to share with loved ones? This initial reflection helps you identify the objects that deserve a place of honor in your home.Step 2: Categorize Your KeepsakesOnce youve selected your most precious items, its helpful to categorize them. Group similar items together, such as family photos, letters from loved ones, travel souvenirs, or heirlooms passed down through generations. This process allows you to see what you have and makes it easier to decide how to display or store them.At A Call to Order, we guide our clients through this process, helping them sort through their possessions with empathy and care. We understand that parting with certain items can be difficult, so we focus on keeping what truly matters while organizing in a way that feels manageable and comforting.Step 3: Display with PurposeFor many seniors, having their most meaningful items on display is a way to keep memories alive. Whether its a shadow box of family heirlooms, a curated photo wall, or a memory shelf filled with travel mementos, displaying items thoughtfully can bring daily joy. Consider rotating your collectionputting some keepsakes on display for a season, while safely storing others for future enjoyment. This way, your living space doesnt feel cluttered, but still reflects your lifes rich tapestry of memories.Safekeeping and Sharing Your LegacyAfter organizing your cherished possessions, its just as important to ensure their safekeeping and plan how to pass them along to future generations. Preserving your legacy can be a deeply fulfilling process, and A Call to Order can help you every step of the way.Step 1: Create a Safe Storage SystemFor items that are not on display, having an organized storage system is key to keeping them safe and accessible. Use labeled, archival-quality boxes to store fragile items like old photographs, letters, or documents. These containers are designed to protect against deterioration and ensure that your keepsakes stay in excellent condition. Be sure to label boxes or storage bins clearly so that you and your family can easily locate items when the time comes to reminisce or share memories.Step 2: Digitize Important MemoriesOne way to ensure the longevity of your precious possessions is by digitizing them. Old photos, important documents, and even handwritten letters can be scanned and saved digitally, providing peace of mind that these memories wont be lost to time. Digital copies can also be shared with family members, allowing everyone to enjoy them without the risk of losing the originals. A Call to Order can help you set up a digital archive, ensuring that your most important memories are preserved for generations to come.Step 3: Share Your Story with Loved OnesPerhaps the most rewarding aspect of organizing your treasured keepsakes is the opportunity to share your lifes journey with family and friends. Consider creating memory albums or scrapbooks for each child or grandchild, filled with photos and personal stories that reflect your time together. Not only does this preserve your legacy, but it also strengthens bonds and creates a meaningful connection between generations.Additionally, passing along family heirlooms or special possessions can be a beautiful way to keep your legacy alive. If there are items youve always intended to pass down, take the time now to write a note about the history and significance of each one. These notes add an extra layer of meaning to the heirloom, ensuring that the story behind the object is never forgotten.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we know that organizing your most precious senior possessions is about more than declutteringits about honoring your past, preserving your legacy, and creating a space that reflects the love and memories youve gathered over the years. With thoughtful care and personalized guidance, we help seniors curate, protect, and share their treasured keepsakes, ensuring that the essence of their lives is preserved for generations to come.Whether youre looking to display your favorite memories, create a safe storage system, or pass along cherished heirlooms to loved ones, A Call to Order is here to support you in every step of the journey. Let us help you turn your collection of treasures into a beautifully organized legacy that will be treasured by generations to come.
If you are satisfied with the clinicians at your primary care office, cherish those relationships. For many reasons, it is getting more difficult to find primary care clinicians who go the extra mile for you and your loved ones. If you are not content with your primary care team, I offer the following suggestions. First, find a clinician (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) who enjoys listening to you and your stories. The art of medicine is mostly about the art of listening.and believing what you share. Listening and understanding build trust, essential for any good relationship. Every city and small town in our country has such clinicians. Second, appreciate that young nurse practitioners and physician assistants can listen to you and help sort out your problems every bit as well as a seasoned physician who is overworked and/or approaching retirement. In my 40 + year career, Ive had the opportunity to train hundreds of NPs and PAs. They gain the knowledge, expertise, and confidence to become great providers within 9-12 months of graduating from professional schools. Often, they have more technical skills than older physicians. This works to your advantage in the following ways. Assume you have an unusual combination of symptoms. They know how to explore the Internet and rely on specialists to find the best plan of care for you. Now assume you need a steroid injection in a joint. Many NPs and PAs can provide procedures that overworked physicians never learned. Third, see the entire practice as your primary care provider. A good practice has all members working together as a team. The members include front office staff who greet you for in-person visits, medical assistants and nurses who answer your phone calls, and the clinicians who care for you in person or with tele-health visits. If you find that any team member isnt respectful, you should feel free to discuss this with the office manager. All good practices should welcome feedback. Fourth, if you have the means and value extra attention, consider a concierge practice. Unfortunately, concierge physicians are beyond the reach of the vast majority of seniors in our country. Further, we are seeing a shortage of these physicians just as we are seeing a shortage of all primary care physicians. This brings us back to my key message: you can find trust and comfort with a dedicated NP or PA. When we consider the evolution of geriatric practice over the last 4 decades, we understand that it is NPs and PAs providing the vast majority of visits in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home visits.Finally, it is important to understand the pressure and demands on your primary care office. The advent of the electronic health records in the 1990s added a massive burden to all practices. The hope (and the myth) was that EHRs would lead to higher quality medical care. The reality is that EHRs havent improved true quality. EHRs are the main reason so many good clinicians are feeling burned out. The clinicians feel they have to pay more attention to the EHR (and quality metrics) than to the patient in front of them. When you express your understanding of this dilemma to your clinical team, they greatly appreciate this. Again, building understanding and trust leads to the best quality of care and beneficial outcomes. The article was written by Dr. Don Murphy, Geriatrician and Hospice Physician who plans to run for Governor of Colorado, on behalf of. He can be reached at murphdoc@comcast.net, his cell, 720-490-6757, or his main YouTube channel, TheCrazyMurphys5560.
The greatest challenge for all who practice geriatrics is reducing polypharmacy, the addition of medications that either provide no benefit or cause harm to seniors. Millions of seniors end up on many medications that are not helping them and could be causing side effects. Geriatricians are the experts in what we call de-prescription, cutting down on unnecessary medications. The key reasons seniors end up on too many medications are the following. First, all physicians, including young geriatricians (as I was 30 years ago), have hope that newer medications will actually benefit our seniors. The four medications we have used to treat dementia turn out to provide no benefit at all. We cant appreciate this until we have been in practice for decades and know how to review all of the studies that suggest there might be some marginal benefit. Also, one must practice for many years to understand how all medications, including over-the-counter medications, can cause difficult to diagnose side effects. For the dementia medications, we had hoped that they either alleviated symptoms, delayed the onset of dementia, or slowed the progression of dementia. It takes years of practice and experience to realize that these medications fail to help our seniors. Second, many primary care clinicians (say, family medicine physicians) and specialists (say, cardiologists) tend to overvalue medical benefit for medications used for the most common conditions. The best example would be blood pressure medications. All geriatricians know that we approach frail seniors differently than we approach a robust 70-year-old or a healthy 45-year-old. Many clinicians will treat everyone the same, such as trying to keep the systolic blood pressure around 120 and the diastolic pressure around 80. Often, these pressures are simply too low for frail seniors and even for some robust seniors. The medications can cause lightheadedness, falls, and fractures (to name just a few side effects). Third, clinicians in traditional medicine often fail to appreciate the value of alternative healing and the value of the placebo effect. Lets return to medications for dementia. In recent years, we havent seen any commercials for the four medications I referred to above. Weve seen many advertisements for Prevagen and Neuriva. These medications have not been studied extensively like the four that required many studies and FDA approval. If seniors feel more comfortable on these OTC medications, its probably from the placebo effect. That is, they feel that they are at least doing something to counter the onset or progression of dementia. The cost is affordable, and these individuals dont need a prescription from their doctor. If the individual thinks Prevagen isnt helping, or may be causing side effects, he or she can stop it at any time. They dont need permission from their physician. Fourth, the pharmaceutical industry has specialized in direct-to-consumer advertising. These are entertaining and convincing ads. It doesnt matter what disease condition we are considering. Every expert in marketing knows that these creative, subliminal messages get through.and result in more prescriptions. Before sharing my suggestions for cutting down on your medications, let me share a story about Elsie, a 90-year-old woman I took care of in 1992. She was feisty and funny. She was on the 6 medications our team had prescribed for her. Benign positional vertigo was one of her conditions. One of my most memorable clinic visits was the one when Elsie reported that she followed that Harvard newsletter you gave me, Dr. Murphy, and it worked. She did this complex maneuver all on her own, and it eliminated her dizziness. Then she added, oh, and by the way, doctor, I threw all those doggone pills in the garbage.and I feel great now. So be it. This approach worked well for Elsie, but I dont recommend it for others. Here is what I suggest. First, find the courage to question your clinicians. Its not easy when you have put so much trust in your doctors recommendations. Try the soft approach. For example, you could say, Doctor, Im on a lot of medications and I worry that one of them might be causing some problems. You could mention a symptom youve been wondering about. Then you ask, could I cut down on the dose of one of these medicines to see how I do? If your physician agrees with this trial of dose reduction, you could ask which medication he or she would select to reduce the dose. Second, you continue with the honest communication you have established. You dont need to let your doctor know how you are doing a week or two later. However, you should report that you are doing fine by calling the office staff that can document your success with the dose reduction. Believe it or not, you are educating your primary care office about the value of dose reductions. Third, when you have more confidence in the dose reduction approach, you can specify which medication(s) you would eventually like to discontinue. You can share feedback youve received from family members and friends or from the research you or they have done. Ever since the 1950s we have been moving from a paternalistic approach to health care (i.e., the doctor decides everything for your health) to a more patient-centered approach to health care. This makes sense. You know whats best for your overall health, including physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and any other dimensions of health. Your clinicians job is to reflect your preferences. Dose reductions of useless or harmful medications is just part of this evolution in health care. Dr. Don Murphy, MD, FACP The article was written by Dr. Don Murphy, Geriatrician and Hospice Physician who plans to run for Governor of Colorado. He can be reached at murphdoc@comcast.net, or calling 720-490-6757, or his main YouTube channel, TheCrazyMurphys5560.
Your Family is Our Family!At Talem Home Care, we are proud to be one of Colorado's premier senior care life enrichment companies, dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for aging individuals.Aging shouldn't be stressful or uncertain. Every family deserves access to the best information and support to make informed decisions for their loved ones.As a life enrichment company specializing in senior care, our mission is to provide holistic support through these key principles: - Comprehensive Senior Care - Wellness-Focused Services - Engagement and Social Interaction - Personalized Senior Care - Community Connection - Positive ImpactOur team of Certified Senior Advisors is dedicated to providing expert advice, professionalism, and compassion, reassuring families as they navigate the aging process.Our ServicesAt Talem Home Care, we offer a broad range of senior-focused services designed to support the well-being and independence of seniors: - Home Care Services - Free Care Management - Senior Placement Services - Veterans Care - Alzheimers and Dementia Care - Hospice Support - Life Enrichment Program - Photo Reminiscence Therapy (PRT)Our VisionOur vision is to empower people to experience the full joy of living. This core belief drives everything we do at Talem Home Care. We aim to help our staff, clients, and community partners achieve their goals by providing every opportunity for success.At Talem, we recognize that our dedicated staff is key to our success. Thats why we prioritize creating a supportive, family-friendly work environment that is flexible, low-stress and focused on delivering the best customer care.For Our ClientsOur senior care services promote greater independence, self-confidence, and the freedom to live on their terms.For Our CommunityTalem Home Care - Broomfield takes pride in being a responsible community partner dedicated to improving the quality of life for the communities we serve. We also respect the importance of work-life balance and celebrate the diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds that make us who we are.Whether you need home care, care management, senior placement, veterans care, Alzheimers and dementia care, hospice support, medical equipment, or even someone to help with daily tasks like snow shoveling, Talem Home Care is here to help.
Your Family is Our Family!At Talem Home Care, we are proud to be one of Colorado's premier senior care life enrichment companies, dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for aging individuals. Aging shouldn't be stressful or uncertain. Every family deserves access to the best information and support to make informed decisions for their loved ones.As a life enrichment company specializing in senior care, our mission is to provide holistic support through these key principles: - Comprehensive Senior Care - Wellness-Focused Services - Engagement and Social Interaction - Personalized Senior Care - Community Connection - Positive ImpactOur team of Certified Senior Advisors is dedicated to providing expert advice, professionalism, and compassion, reassuring families as they navigate the aging process.Let us help you find the appropriate senior living community!!Our ServicesAt Talem Home Care, we offer a broad range of senior-focused services designed to support the well-being and independence of seniors: - Senior Placement Services - Home Care Services - Free Care Navigation & Advocation - Veterans Care - Alzheimers and Dementia Care - Hospice Support - Life Enrichment Program - Photo Reminiscence Therapy (PRT) Our VisionOur vision is to empower people to experience the full joy of living. This core belief drives everything we do at Talem Home Care. We aim to help our staff, clients, and community partners achieve their goals by providing every opportunity for success.At Talem, we recognize that our dedicated staff is key to our success. Thats why we prioritize creating a supportive, family-friendly work environment that is flexible, low-stress and focused on delivering the best customer care.For Our ClientsOur senior care services promote greater independence, self-confidence, and the freedom to live on their terms. For Our Community Talem Home Care - Broomfield takes pride in being a responsible community partner dedicated to improving the quality of life for the communities we serve. We also respect the importance of work-life balance and celebrate the diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds that make us who we are. Whether you need home care, care management, senior placement, veterans care, Alzheimers and dementia care, hospice support, medical equipment, or even someone to help with daily tasks like snow shoveling, Talem Home Care is here to help.
Your Family is Our Family!At Talem Home Care, we are proud to be one of Colorado's premier senior care life enrichment companies, dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for aging individuals. Aging shouldn't be stressful or uncertain. Every family deserves access to the best information and support to make informed decisions for their loved ones.As a life enrichment company specializing in senior care, our mission is to provide holistic support through these key principles: - Comprehensive Senior Care - Wellness-Focused Services - Engagement and Social Interaction - Personalized Senior Care - Community Connection - Positive ImpactOur team of Certified Senior Advisors is dedicated to providing expert advice, professionalism, and compassion, reassuring families as they navigate the aging process.Our ServicesAt Talem Home Care, we offer a broad range of senior-focused services designed to support the well-being and independence of seniors: - Senior Placement Services - Home Care Services - Free Care Navigation & Advocation - Veterans Care - Alzheimers and Dementia Care - Hospice Support - Life Enrichment Program - Photo Reminiscence Therapy (PRT) Our VisionOur vision is to empower people to experience the full joy of living. This core belief drives everything we do at Talem Home Care. We aim to help our staff, clients, and community partners achieve their goals by providing every opportunity for success.At Talem, we recognize that our dedicated staff is key to our success. Thats why we prioritize creating a supportive, family-friendly work environment that is flexible, low-stress and focused on delivering the best customer care.For Our ClientsOur senior care services promote greater independence, self-confidence, and the freedom to live on their terms. For Our Community Talem Home Care - Broomfield takes pride in being a responsible community partner dedicated to improving the quality of life for the communities we serve. We also respect the importance of work-life balance and celebrate the diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds that make us who we are. Whether you need home care, care management, senior placement, veterans care, Alzheimers and dementia care, hospice support, medical equipment, or even someone to help with daily tasks like snow shoveling, Talem Home Care is here to help.