What is the Veterans Benefits Administration Pension?

Posted on

Apr 24, 2020

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A Veterans Administration (VA) Pension is a needs-based (not entitled) benefit for low-income Veterans with wartime service and non-service connected disabilities. How is eligibility determined? Veterans must have a character of discharge other than dishonorable and served on active duty for 90 days with at least one day during a war-time period. Also, Veterans must be 65 years old or older or be permanently and totally disabled if under age 65. Veterans must also meet established income and net worth requirements.
What are Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits? Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits are filed concurrently with pension and are for Veterans requiring assistance in performing daily living activities such as dressing, eating, attending to hygiene needs and managing medication or are confined to their home and unable to travel without assistance.
The Special Monthly Pension rates are higher than the basic pension rate and may be granted to applicants who demonstrate a higher level of medical need. Veterans must qualify for pension first, before determining eligibility for Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits.

Where do I go for help? Due to the complexity of VA Pension eligibility guidelines, speak with an accredited Veterans Service Officer who helps determine benefit eligibility. The Jefferson County Veterans Service Office provides FREE assistance to Veterans and dependents. Veterans Service Officers are certified and accredited nationally and recognized by the VA to assist Veterans and dependents file claims.

Editors Note: For a comprehensive review of VA benefits call the Jefferson County Veterans Service Office at 303-271-4574. The VSO office is located at 3500 Illinois St, Golden, CO 80401 in the Laramie Building.

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Whether facing health or mobility problems, or simply aging gracefully, theres no doubt that growing older can be a battle. On top of that, the older we get, the more time we have on our hands.  As such, its important to find ways to keep your senior loved ones engaged and thriving, both within and outside of their home environment. This season, rely on fall activities for seniors that create situations that allow them to keep their mind sharp, enhance their physical fitness or enjoy the positive emotions that stem from social interaction.  Explore some of the most exciting things for seniors to do this fall, all with a seasonal twist. Pumpkin Painting Carving pumpkins may require a little more physical effort than seniors are able to put in, but theres a new fall trend that is perfect for the elderly. Rather than opening up the top and scooping the insides out before slicing out chunks of the pumpkin, grab some paint and use it to decorate the gourd with the design of your choosing. From spooky scenes and classic jack-o-lantern faces to pop culture references and autumn-inspired patterns, you can really get creative and make it your own with endless possibilities. Apple Picking When caring for aging parents, one of the most exciting ways to explore the world is with the whole family. Gather everyone together for a special fall outing to an apple orchard. This quintessential autumn activity provides a chance for seniors to enjoy physical activity (tailored to their ability level), teamwork, stunning scenery, fresh air and time spent with loved ones. Baking with Fall Flavors One of the best fall activities for seniors is baking. From flaky pies to moist muffins and cookies that melt in your mouth, there is something so exciting about tasting something that you just created from scratch. Incorporate fall flavors, like apple or pumpkin, to give the project seasonality, but keep the focus on the process. Locating and measuring out the ingredients will keep your loved ones mind active. Seasonal Gardening A laid-back and tranquil activity, gardening is something that can be done year-round with very exciting results. Add a touch of fall to your garden by incorporating produce that will be harvested in the latter part of the year, like apples, squash, leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. This can also be a great task for families looking for private caregivers, as FirstLight Home Care professionals can supervise or assist when family members arent around to do so. Leaf Peeping Walks As the leaves change and add color to the world, explore your neighborhood or a local park while looking for vibrant fall foliage. This is a great way to get some gentle exercise and fresh air while adding some excitement to the experience. Embrace the deep reds, golden yellows and rusty oranges while leaf peeping, a beloved pastime all over the country but especially in New England or the Pacific Northwest. Fall Picnic Delve into relaxation with a seasonal picnic, one of the best fall activities for seniors. A picnic is the perfect way to get your loved one out of the house for some fresh air and inspiration from nature. This is especially wonderful for those who dont have great mobility, as it doesnt require much movement upon arrival. Gather dishes that feature the flavors of fall to make it extra special or look for colored leaves as you dine and unwind.  Fun and Games Games can be one of the most thrilling pastimes and theyre something the entire family can enjoy together, no matter the ages. Plus, games can serve as a stepping stone to companionship for lonely elderly, as well as a way to keep their memory sharp. Play board games or card games, or get active with a round of cornhole or oversize Jenga. Crosswords, Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles can also be fun to complete together. Or add a touch of autumn by creating your own game, like a scent competition where participants must identify mystery smells like cinnamon or pumpkin. Companionship for Fall Activities Sometimes it can be hard to find the time to dedicate to our elderly loved ones. Whether navigating a demanding career, raising children or dealing with something else entirely, we may not be able to pencil in these affairs as much as we would like to. However, these fall activities for seniors can be crucial for their social, emotional, mental and even physical health. While you may not be able to be there for each and every activity, dont limit your loved one. Families looking for private caregivers should turn to FirstLight Home Care we will be by your side every step of the way with professionals who are well-equipped to provide companionship, care, comfort and more. Get started today  inquire about a personalized quote or call 612-473-3227 to talk with our FirstLight team.   

Recognizing the Signs: When Your Aging Parent Might Need Help at Home

As our parents age, it becomes increasingly important to be attentive to changes in their behavior, physical condition, and overall well-being. Identifying early signs that they may need in-home support can help ensure they receive the necessary care to maintain their quality of life. Here are some key indicators that it might be time to consider in-home support for your elderly parents:1.  Changes in Personal Hygieneo   Neglect of Grooming: Noticeable decline in grooming habits, such as unkempt hair, body odor, or wearing dirty clothes.o   Difficulty Bathing: Struggling with regular bathing or maintaining personal cleanliness. Concern of falling while bathing.2.  Physical Declineo   Mobility Issues: Difficulty walking, frequent falls, or unsteady balance.o   Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss or poor nutrition due to difficulty cooking or eating.3.  Cognitive Declineo   Memory Problems: Forgetting important appointments, medications, or familiar faces.o   Confusion: Increased confusion, disorientation, or getting lost in familiar places.4.  Emotional and Mental Health Changeso   Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions, hobbies, or activities they once enjoyed.o   Mood Swings: Noticeable changes in mood, increased irritability, or signs of depression and anxiety.5.  Neglected Household Responsibilitieso   Messy Home: A once tidy home becoming increasingly cluttered or dirty.o   Unpaid Bills: Accumulation of unpaid bills or neglect of financial responsibilities.6.  Medical Concernso   Frequent Medical Issues: Increased frequency of medical appointments or hospital visits.o   Medication Management: Difficulty managing medications, including missed doses or incorrect administration.7.  Changes in Daily Activitieso   Difficulty with ADLs: Struggling with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, eating, or toileting.o   Reduced Driving Ability: Unsafe driving habits or reluctance to drive.When to ActIf you observe any of these signs, its important to have an open and compassionate conversation with your aging parent about their needs and concerns. Early intervention with in-home support can help provide:        Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.        Meal Preparation: Help with cooking and ensuring proper nutrition.        Medication Management: Monitoring and administering medications correctly.        Companionship: Providing social interaction and emotional support.        Household Chores: Assistance with cleaning, laundry, and other household tasks.        Transportation: Helping with errands, appointments, and social activities.Recognizing the signs that your aging parent might need help at home is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind. By being vigilant and proactive, you can ensure they receive the support they need to live safely and comfortably in their own home. There are services and items available that not only support your aging parent but also alleviate some of the tasks you might be managing. If youre uncertain about the level of care required, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or a senior care advisor to assess their needs comprehensively. As you navigate this path, resources from credible organizations can offer guidance and support. Remember, at CareAparent, we are here to assist you every step of the way in this important journey. If you are interested in learning more about our services or inquiring about a personalized care plan, dont hesitate to contact us at your convenience. Our knowledgeable and compassionate team is always here to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Take the first step towards peace of mind and reach out to us today at 651-702-4663.

8 Tips for Family Members Caring for a Senior Loved One from Far Away

Until 100 years ago, many people never traveled more than 10 miles from the home in which they were born or lived in when they got married, which was usually down the street or the next farm over. Families remained grouped together for many reasons, including having emigrated from a foreign country and starting a new life together. There was strength in numbers: both economic advantages and in perpetuating long-held traditions that would tie loved ones together in the face of new challenges. Where seniors were concerned, the expectation that younger family members would always care for them was impliedand something not all that difficult if people were living within steps of one another.Clearly things have changed, and adult children can be hundreds and thousands of miles away from aging parents. This can make it challenging to determine changes in physical, mental and emotional health, often leading to stress and guilt. 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Tantamount to that, realistically evaluate how much each can do, knowing that a trusted neighbor or someone else outside the family and local to the senior may need to be hired to fill in any gaps.If a family member is better at managing finances, for example, s/he should assume that responsibility when the time comes, always with written permission. A Merrill Lynch study revealed about 92 percent of family caregivers are managing their loved ones finances, including monitoring and paying bills from bank accounts, handling insurance claims, filing taxes, and overseeing investments.2   Communicate with Your Aging Loved One Every DayIts important to check in with an aging parent every day, even several times a day depending on the state of health, particularly if that individual lives alone. If the senior is adept at technology, FaceTime or other forms of video chat are always preferable as visuals are a useful tool in gauging changes. 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PERS devices can be worn by the senior as a pendant, or a unit can be set up strategically inside the home to provide 24/7 monitoring services.5   Obtain a Smart Pill Dispenser for Medication ManagementAs people age, memory can be affected with issues that include failure to take medication or not recalling if a dose was taken or not. Multiple medications are also a byproduct of aging and facing an array of bottles every day can be confusing and disorienting for seniors. A user-friendly solution lies in medication management with automatic pill dispensers, as these smart devices for healthcare can do so much more than hold apportioned pills in a little plastic box. Smart pill devices organize medications and ensure the correct dose is dispensed at the right time, and some can also notify the caregiver if a dose is missed.6   Explore Alternative Senior Living ArrangementsIs an aging parent amenable to moving closer to adult children? Independent living and assisted living fall under the broad banner of senior living communities and can make the stress that accompanies long-distance caregiving a thing of the past. Many seniors and their families are unsure where to start their search for assisted living and other senior housing options.7   Plan More Frequent Visits to Keep Tabs on Your Elderly Loved Ones WelfareWork, raising families, community responsibilities, and everything else can make life overwhelming today. But if a parent or grandparent is aging, theres no better way to monitor needs than to visit as often as possibleeven for a long weekend now and then. If there are multiple adult siblings or young adult grandchildren, spreading the visits out among family members can ease the burden of constant traveling and help ensure changes in health and mobility do not go undetected.Besides, the opportunity to spend time with mom or dad in their sunset years is precious, and something you will never have again. In your effort to monitor things and provide support, which no one argues can be time consuming and stressful, make sure to slow down and listen. As the saying goes, When a senior dies, a library closes.8   Ask for Information and Guidance from a Trusted Senior ResourceKnow that an Amada Senior Care advisor has the expertise and knowledge to assist without obligation as families with aging loves ones navigate their senior care journey. Click HERE to find an Amada office near you or call (866) 752-1961.