Veterans – You might be surprised at what you are missing. You and the US Department of Veterans Af

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs and services to help Veterans access the long-term care they need. From financial assistance programs to residential living options and services and programs that help Veterans who live at home, VA aims to support U.S. military Veterans in living comfortably and accessing the care they need. Here, we explain 16 Veterans benefits that senior Veterans can receive to maximize their quality of life, safety, and comfort whether they live at home or want to live in a long-term care facility.Financial assistance programs for VeteransVA offers various financial assistance programs to U.S. military Veterans. Some provide additional income to individuals who have significant health needs. Other programs offer loans to Veterans, and still others provide grants that allow Veterans to improve their homes without needing to repay the funds. Lets explore these financial programs designed specifically for Veterans.Aid and Attendance benefitVeterans who require assistance with daily life may qualify to receive additional income every month through the Aid and Attendance benefit. This VA benefit provides income directly to qualifying Veterans. Surviving spouses can also qualify for this benefit. The maximum monthly benefit may change each year, and VA makes this determination at the end of each calendar year for the following 12 months. Currently, benefit recipients can receive over $2,000 per month if they are eligible.To qualify, Veterans must meet requirements in military service, health needs, and income. Generally speaking, the military service criteria require that the Veteran served in active duty during an approved wartime period (though serving in an active combat zone is not required). The Veteran must require help with at least two activities of daily living, need to live in a facility to protect their safety due to a cognitive or other health issue, or have a vision impairment. The Veteran must also meet the net worth limit set by Congress.Veterans interested in applying can do so on their own through VA or work with a third party that can help them determine their eligibility and get assistance with the application.VA home loanAging in place, or living at home for as long as possible, is often the ideal situation for many people. However, doing so can require capital to purchase a home or improve its accessibility. Veterans needing funding assistance to make their homes safer and accommodate their care needs may qualify for a VA home loan.The U.S. government backs these loans, and the VA guarantees part of the loan to a lender. With the VA standing behind the Veteran in the loan, the lender often offers desirable terms. The borrowing Veteran could have a zero or low down payment, a lower interest rate, or a cap on closing costs, among other benefits.To qualify for a VA loan, the Veteran must meet certain service requirements and get a Certificate of Eligibility from VA.The Special Home Adaptation grantThe Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant provides funding to qualifying Veterans who want to buy or modify a home to meet their needs due to a service-connected disability. The Veteran can use funds to buy or build a home or modify their existing home. In addition to meeting the health and disability requirements, the Veteran must also own or soon own the home they want to improve or purchase. Eligible individuals can apply online through eBenefits, by mail, or in person after filling out VA Form 26-4555.The Temporary Residence Adaptation grantHelp is also available to Veterans who temporarily live in a home that doesnt meet their accessibility needs. If a Veteran can qualify for the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant or the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant but temporarily lives in a family members home, the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant may be able to help fund necessary modifications to support the Veterans accessibility needs.The Veteran must meet disability criteria and not own the home they want to modify. Veterans can apply online through eBenefits, by mail, or in person after filling out VA Form 26-4555.The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grantThis grant is for Veterans who are not trying to fund new construction but instead want to fund home modifications for greater accessibility in their homes. The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant can cover alterations to home entrances, installations of roll-in showers or walk-in bathtubs, adjustments to counter heights, and other similar accessibility improvements.To qualify for the grant, the Veteran must meet various criteria, including receiving a prescription written by a VA physician deeming the improvements necessary. The Veteran must also complete the application, submit a notarized statement from the owner (if the Veteran rents the home) approving the improvement, obtain an estimate of costs for the project, and submit a photo of the original unimproved space.Residential care facilities for VeteransSome Veterans may need significant assistance with activities of daily living, so moving to a residential community may be the best way to maintain comfort and a good quality of life. Others may opt to live in facilities because of the camaraderie, socialization, and round-the-clock access to care staff and professionals. While there are many senior living communities around the country, VA provides two types of communities that specifically serve U.S. military Veterans: VA nursing homes and state Veterans homes.VA nursing homesA nursing home is a residential long-term care facility that helps people who need significant assistance with personal care tasks, like bathing, dressing, eating, and other activities of daily living. These facilities also staff skilled nursing professionals, like registered nurses and other skilled care professionals. They can provide skilled care, like wound care, medication administration, and other nursing tasks. While there are many nursing homes around the U.S., VA runs its own nursing homes, also called VA Community Living Centers, that cater to U.S. military Veterans.In order to live at a VA nursing home, the Veteran needs to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as their service-connected status, level of disability, and income. The Veteran must also be enrolled in the VA health system and be medically and psychiatrically stable.Depending on the Veterans service-connected disability and financial status, they may be responsible for a copay. VA social workers and case managers can advise interested Veterans, and applicants can complete the Application for Extended Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EC) to apply for residency.State Veterans homesState Veterans homes are residential communities that provide varying levels of care, like independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and adult day health care. The state where the facility is located owns and operates the community.A benefit of living at a state Veterans home is that most residents are U.S. military Veterans. Some state Veterans homes may admit non-Veteran spouses and Gold Star parents, while others may admit only Veterans. This allows residents to bond through having the common experience with the military, which can foster and support strong relationships. Not only do the residents better understand one another, but the staff are also trained on unique issues that Veterans may face, such as PTSD, depression, and other common challenges that can result from time served in the military.Interested Veterans must apply for residency. State Veterans homes are located throughout the country.Help at home for VeteransMany Veterans choose to live at home, but even if they do not live in a VA residential community or a senior living facility, they may still need care services and support to live independently. There are a number of services that help Veterans who live in the community rather than in a facility. From adult day health care and respite care to homemaker services and even end-of-life care at home, VA offers a range of services to eligible Veterans. Lets take a look at those services now.Adult day health care (ADHC)Veterans who live at home may live alone or with a family member. Adult day health care (ADHC) services could be just what the Veteran and their caregiver need to live successfully at home. VA adult day health care programs operate during the day and serve as a place for Veterans to go and receive care services and socialization. They can also access care from visiting and on-staff professionals. Social workers, nurses, therapists, and other health care professionals offer their services to program participants.Veterans can utilize this program as often as needed, whether a few days per week for part of the day or on a full-day schedule. ADHC programs can be found at VA medical centers, state Veterans homes, or other organizations if none exist in the Veterans area. The programs can also offer family caregivers a much-needed respite from caring for the Veteran. The caregiver will know that their Veteran loved one is in good hands and getting the specialized care they need, all while the caregiver can have time for themselves or take care of other life responsibilities.If a Veteran is eligible for community care and meets the clinical criteria for the service, and if there is an ADHC program in the area, the Veteran can participate. VA care managers can guide interested Veterans on the application process and explain the potential copay the Veteran may have based on their disability status and financial information.Respite careVeterans with family caregivers, like spouses or adult children, may benefit from utilizing VA respite care program services. Respite care benefits both the individual and their caregiver because the individual receives care that the caregiver normally provides, allowing the family member to take a break from their usual caregiving responsibilities. VA respite care is convenient because Veterans and their families can access the services in a few ways. Veterans who live at home can have a respite caregiver travel to the home to provide services. The Veteran can also attend a VA adult day health care program if there is one in their area. For longer periods of care, the Veteran can receive respite care services at a nursing home. This option may be suitable for Veterans whose caregivers need to be away from the Veteran for a few days due to a trip or another responsibility. Veterans may qualify for VA respite care services if they meet the criteria and if these services are available near them. Services vary by location. The Veteran may be responsible for a copay based on their disability status and financial situation. VA case managers can help interested Veterans determine eligibility, learn if they have a copay, and apply for the service.Home-based primary care (HBPC)VAs home-based primary care (HBPC) program can offer invaluable help to Veterans who find it difficult to leave home for medical care. This service brings health care to the Veterans home if they live within 40 miles of a VA medical center. Medical professionals, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and other health care professionals, can provide services in the Veterans home. Veterans who are enrolled in the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package are eligible to receive home-based primary care if the service is available in their area and they meet the clinical criteria. VA case managers can help Veterans learn whether they meet the requirements and whether there is a program in their area.Skilled home health careSkilled home health care can be an important part of a Veterans recovery from an injury or hospitalization. The skilled home health care program provides skilled nursing services to Veterans transitioning home from a hospital or skilled nursing facility but still needing care at home.If a Veteran is eligible for community care and meets other criteria, they may qualify for the skilled home health care program. VA case managers can help determine eligibility and assist the Veteran in applying for the service.Homemaker and home health aide programIf a Veteran needs help with activities of daily living and maintaining their homes cleanliness, the VA homemaker and home health aide program may be a great fit for their situation. Through this service, the Veteran receives care through a VA-approved home care agency that sends caregivers to the Veterans home. Typically, these caregivers can help with light housekeeping, meal preparation, and assistance with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living.Veterans eligible for community care may qualify to participate in the homemaker and home health aide program. VA case managers can help Veterans determine whether they qualify and will have a copay in addition to helping them receive the services.Home hospice careVeterans can receive home hospice services during their final stage of life. As with typical hospice services, providers help manage the patients symptoms while the patient is no longer seeking curative treatments for their illness or condition. In addition to symptom management, the Veterans family and loved ones can receive grief counseling services.This service is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package. Enrolled Veterans are eligible for home hospice care if their physician determines theres a clinical need. Hospice care requires no copayments from the Veteran. Palliative careAlthough palliative care also aims to manage chronic conditions and maximize quality of life, it should not be confused with hospice care. The main difference is that patients can use palliative care services while receiving curative treatments, whereas those receiving hospice care cannot. Through the VA palliative care program, Veterans work with doctors, nurses, social workers, and other professionals to manage pain and other symptoms associated with one or more chronic conditions. The palliative care program is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package. A Veteran may be eligible if they demonstrate a medical need for it. VA social workers can help determine potential copays and processes for initiating this type of care.Home telehealth assistanceThe home telehealth assistance program allows Veterans living at home to use technology to monitor their health and communicate with their health care providers. With remote patient monitoring, health care providers can access real-time data about the Veteran patient. Phone visits and video communication can allow Veterans who are homebound or live far from their providers to contact doctors quickly and as needed.Veterans can talk with their health care provider at the nearest VA medical center about the home telehealth assistance options in their area.Veteran-directed careVeteran-directed care is more of an approach to how the Veteran chooses to receive their care than a specific type of care. Many Veterans receive care from VA-directed health care providers, but through Veteran-directed care, the Veteran chooses their care service providers. They are responsible for hiring, managing, and paying their providers with the budget they receive. This program fosters autonomy and allows the Veteran to take the lead on who provides their care.To participate, the Veteran must be eligible for community care and meet health requirements. VA social workers can work with interested Veterans to determine the individuals eligibility and inform them on how to get started.Whether a senior Veteran wants to live at home or in a long-term care community, they can turn to VA to receive the care they need.

As you begin to transition to retirement, you'll find a mix of anticipated plans and unexpected challenges awaiting you. Transitioning into retirement marks a major life shift, and the unknowns ahead might stir up mixed feelings about retirement. You may wonder how to fill your time, explore new passions or derive meaning in this phase of life.After dedicating your life to preparing to transition to retirement, the moment has arrived. What will you make of it? Embrace a fresh perspective on aging: Spin the wheel of retirement roulette and let fate guide your journey. This approach highlights life's unpredictability and the excitement of discovering unexpected joys in retirement.Whether its retirement risks, rewards or retirement challenges that youre facing, were here to help. Together, lets go all in and cash out BIG together in retirement!Tips for Transitioning from Work to a Satisfying Retirement Start transitioning gradually: In the months leading to retirement transition, start cutting back on the amount of work that you do, allowing time for your successor to have time to get acclimated to the new role and introducing more free time into your daily life.Establish a daily routine: Provide structure and purpose to your day by creating (and sticking to!) a daily schedule. Doing this is going to help you create a purposeful life in retirement. Figure out what things you enjoy doing or those that you dont look forward to and see where you can move things around to fit your newfound freedom.Stay connected with friends and family: Leaving the workplace often means leaving friends and colleagues that you have become accustomed to having in your life every day. When you are retired, this may feel disorienting. Reach out to your friends and family members during this time or set up a time to have coffee with an old coworker a few times a month.Explore hobbies and make new connections: Its time to join that knitting club or the swimming class that you have been eyeing for a while. Taking up new or favorite hobbies can help you meet new people and form new bonds. Take this time to explore retirement adventures and do what you want to do! Do You Have Retirement Anxiety? A retirement transition can sometimes feel that youre putting all of your money on RED, just to see a lot of GREEN! But sometimes, were scared to make that gamble with our newfound freedom.Retirement anxiety refers to the feelings of stress, worry or apprehension that some individuals experience when approaching retirement. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as concerns about financial stability, loss of purpose or identity, changes in social relationships, fear of health issues and uncertainty about how to spend one's time in a satisfying retirement.Common sources of anxiety about retirement include:Financial concerns: Many people worry about whether they have saved enough money to sustain their desired lifestyle throughout retirement. Factors such as insufficient savings, unexpected expenses or economic downturns can exacerbate these worries.Loss of identity and purpose: Work often provides individuals with a sense of purpose, structure and social connection. Retiring may lead to feelings of loss or uncertainty about one's identity and role in society, particularly if one's identity is closely tied to their career.Health concerns: As people age, they may become more aware of their health and physical limitations. Concerns about declining health, access to healthcare and long-term care needs can contribute to retirement anxiety.Our Anthology at Boynton Beach community, nestled on the Florida coast among tall palm trees and lush greenery, offers walking paths and a fully equipped wellness center for residents to use to stay healthy, improve flexibility and reduce stress.Changes in social relationships: Transition to retirement can bring changes in social dynamics, especially if one's social circle primarily consists of coworkers or if the retiree's partner is still working. Adjusting to new routines and finding ways to maintain social connections can be challenging.At Anthology of Louisville, which offers premier senior living in Louisville, KY, our leadership team works to create and host activities and socialization opportunities for residents every day. Our vibrant activity programs are a favorite for our residents, allowing them to socialize in programs or even around the dinner table with fellow friends and neighbors.Its what makes Anthology such an exciting place to live! There are always new connections to be made.Addressing retirement anxiety often involves a combination of financial planning, emotional preparation and lifestyle adjustments. Seeking support from financial advisors, therapists, support groups and loved ones can help individuals navigate this transition more smoothly and alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the transition to retirement.Some seniors choose to go into independent or assisted living lifestyle options when entering retirement. Assisted living, especially, is beneficial for those who can no longer handle everyday tasks like housekeeping and cooking on their own.Anthology of Planos accommodations include a range of spacious, private floor plans with state-of-the-art amenities and built-in emergency alert systems in residences. Our dedicated team takes care of household tasks like cleaning, trash removal and linen services so you can spend your time doing more of the things you love. Looking for senior living in Plano? Wed love to meet you!Choose Your Adventure with Anthology Senior LivingWith Anthology Senior Living, you spin the wheel every day and decide where youd like it to take you. With this may sound equally exciting and terrifying, living at Anthology gives you the autonomy to choose how your days and your life go!Living at Anthology means that all of the mundane activities like housekeeping, laundry and transportation are covered and you can fill your days with the kind of activities that you are interested in.From excellent dining experiences to planned activities, events and amenities and everything in between spinning the wheel of retirement roulette is a chance to explore the unexpected and embrace the unpredictable everyday events that make life worth living! Retiring soon? Consider moving into a beautiful Anthology Senior Living community in retirement for the carefree lifestyle youve always craved. We call that rolling the dice and winning twice.

As our society progresses into the digital age, senior citizens are finding themselves increasingly targeted by financial scams. Whether its through deceptive phone calls, fraudulent emails or sophisticated online productions, older adults are often seen as easy prey for scammers looking to exploit their trust and vulnerability. However, there are ways that friends and family continue protecting seniors from scams through proactive collaboration. The consequences of falling victim to these scams can be financially and emotionally devastating, misleading seniors to give up their hard-earned savings and leaving them feeling isolated and betrayed. This financial deception can have long-term consequences on seniors who have been scammed. In this blog, well explore the prevalence of financial fraud cases targeting seniors, the tactics used by scammers and most importantly, how we can work together to protect elderly loved ones from falling victim to crimes against seniors. Common Types of Financial Deception Retirement scams result in a loss of more than $28 billion each year in the United States. Senior identity theft scams come in a variety of forms, such as identity theft, sweepstakes and lottery scams, and romance scams. Many scams come to senior citizens unsolicited a scammer calls or sends correspondence unprompted and uses a sense of urgency before seniors realize they have been taken advantage of. One of the most common financial crimes against the elderly involves sweepstakes or lottery scams informing them that they have received an unexpected windfall and must act immediately to ensure that they receive the winnings. This tactic is often to secure money through gift card purchases or to access bank accounts or debit cards. The lure of romance scams In 2020, romance scams accounted for the highest total reported losses among all scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Older adults are especially susceptible to romance scams, as the number of adults ages 55-64 who reported participating in online dating applications has doubled over the last few years. In 2020, seniors lost more than $139 million in relationship scams alone. Seniors are often at risk for isolation, loneliness and depression, and romance scams may present a new opportunity for a connection. People perpetrating these scams know the touchpoints to engage seniors in romantic interludes. Utilizing flattery and compliments makes victims feel special, lowering their defenses and making them more susceptible to the sales pitch (or scam). Scammers work to establish trust quickly, and then a sense of urgency emerges suddenly, the person on the other end of the phone needs a quick loan, or they are stranded and need to get home. These moments are the perfect opportunities for scammers to pounce on unsuspecting victims.Retirement scams are often rooted in false promises something that you will see throughout many crimes against seniors. Scammers prey on the basic needs and desires of every human the opportunity for more money or a late-in-life love. Seniors may lack technological familiarity and be susceptible to scams that prey on their trust. Because seniors do not navigate technology as younger generations do, they can be more vulnerable when a scammer presents themselves as an authority figure, such as a police officer or government official requesting information. Recognizing and Avoiding Financial Scams To protect loved ones against scams, have a conversation with them so that they know what kind of red flags to notice. Crimes against the elderly happen fairly quickly, based on a sense of urgency and misplaced trust. One of the first red flags to consider is that unsolicited phone calls or emails should be treated with extreme caution. If it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Many people get caught up in the get rich quick ideas that scammers often present. Seniors should watch out for these surprise offers and always verify the identity of callers when contacted. Scammers do not want to answer questions; they just want to take advantage of seniors. As soon as you try to uncover the truth, the scammer will often end the communication. Do not release personal information to people you do not know In addition, anyone who contacts you and requests personal information should also be thoroughly vetted for the need for that particular information. Businesses and organizations such as banks and the IRS have safety protocols in place to protect sensitive information, so they will not call you to request your account information directly. Its already known to them if you are a customer. Do not release this information, including bank account numbers, debit card numbers and PINs. This type of financial identity fraud is one of the easiest ways for scammers to access seniors assets. Do not send money to people you dont personally know Further protect yourself by not transferring or wiring money through financial services such as Western Union, which can be used worldwide. You may not be completely aware of who you are paying. Even more, seniors have fallen prey to losing an additional $12 million each year through cryptocurrency scams. Cryptocurrency is a relatively new form of payment that can be confusing if you are not familiar with it, and it can also be used worldwide. Once its been paid, there is no recourse to get it back. Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics Life in 2024 moves very quickly, but beware of high-urgency tactics, such limited-time offers or limited quantities, which lowers seniors guards when it comes to taking the time to consider the proposition. During this time, scammers may brush off or diminish older adults objections or questions, pressing for an immediate resolution to the offer, which often includes accessing financial information. Ask for help from trusted professionals and close family members Many seniors do not report scam attempts or money loss because of embarrassment. When looking back after you have been scammed, the concerning red flags may be easier to see after you are out of the situation. If you have questions about the validity of an offer, purchase or unexpected romance, consult with trusted family members or financial advisors before releasing information or exchanging money. Family members should offer comfort and emotional assistance after loved ones have been scammed. It is often an embarrassing stigma to realize you have been scammed, paired with the personal financial deception as well. Friends and family members should lend an understanding ear and continue conversations and education to prevent further scams. Resources and reporting For elderly fraud protection and ongoing scams, The National Elder Fraud Hotline staffs compassionate and knowledgeable support specialists who can help older adults navigate the confusion and loss after fraud. This free service is available to all senior citizens and can be a valuable resource. When calling the Elder Fraud Hotline, seniors will reach a case manager who will help them through the reporting process at the federal, state and local levels. They will also be connected with other resources on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, protect yourself by investing in financial fraud prevention services. Research the best identity theft protection for seniors and make the decision that is right for your family. Attend locally hosted events from banks, nonprofit organizations and our Anthology communities such as Anthology of King of Prussia, Anthology of Millis and Anthology of Farmington Hills, which host scam prevention discussions and offer resources for residents to protect themselves from crimes against seniors. In conclusion, as we navigate the increasingly complex landscape of financial scams targeting the elderly, one of the most powerful tools at our disposal is continuing education. By empowering seniors with knowledge about common scams, red flags to watch for and strategies to protect themselves, we not only enhance their financial literacy but also bolster their ability to safeguard their hard-earned assets. As advocates for the well-being of our senior loved ones and community members, Anthology communities commit to providing ongoing education and support. Through collaboration and knowledge, we can help ensure that our residents remain vigilant, informed and resilient against financial exploitation.