Serving in the military can often impact one’s health, both emotionally and physically. And for many veterans, young and old, disabling injuries may make it difficult to perform some of the basic activities we do every day—things that we often take for granted. These activities of daily living (ADLs) include things such as eating, bathing, dressing, mobility and more.
Home care for veterans requires family caregivers to be strong and flexible. Many veterans live at home and need assistance around the house and providing this daily support can often drain family caregivers emotionally as they try to take on all the tasks their loved one needs.
That is where an experienced caregiver for veterans can help. FirstLight veteran care and personalized services can assist with everything from household duties such as cooking, laundry and running errands to individual needs like bathing, personal hygiene and mobility assistance.
Understanding the Needs of Veterans
At FirstLight Home Care, it is our privilege to provide veteran home care services to support our nation’s heroes and their families. We believe in service with honor. From members of the Greatest Generation who are managing the challenges of aging, to combat veterans living with injuries sustained in the field, we do more to support veterans and their families when they need it most.
Home care services assist veterans in a variety of ways. These offerings can include emotional support for veterans and household duties like cooking, cleaning, laundry and non-medical personal care. Experienced caregivers for veterans can also assist those of any age living with injuries sustained in the field and active-duty families that need help when loved ones are deployed.
Personalized care for veterans can be applied in various settings:
- Veterans can receive companion care or personal care in their own homes.
- Care can be provided in independent and assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities.
- Respite care can be offered to family caregivers so that they may take time off from the responsibility of caring for their loved one.
There are benefits that could help pay for specialized veteran home care. VA Aid and Attendance benefits or Housebound allowances provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified veterans and survivors.
Individuals may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit if they get a VA pension and meet at least one of the following requirements:
- They need another person to help them perform daily activities, like bathing, eating and dressing, or
- They must stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness, or
- They are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, or
- Their eyesight is limited.
Veterans may be eligible for Housebound benefits if they get a VA pension and spend most of their time in their home because of a permanent disability. However, individuals cannot get Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time.
If you are caring for a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, make sure that your loved one is receiving the care and benefits they deserve, and that you—as the family caregiver—are getting the respite care you need. Your regional VA benefit office can be a great resource if you have questions about the benefits that are available to you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veteran Home Care Services
- What types of services are covered under veteran home care?
- FirstLight veteran care services can include non-medical companion and personal care that covers everything from companionship and household duties like cooking, cleaning and laundry to individual needs such as bathing, hygiene and mobility assistance. Select FirstLight Home Care offices also provide skilled nursing care.
- How does FirstLight veteran care coordinate with the VA and other organizations?
- The Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension is a benefit that helps reduce the cost of care for older veterans and their surviving spouses. Veterans and their spouses who require the regular aid and attendance of another person (for activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, medication monitoring and other in-home care) may qualify for this special benefit in addition to a monthly pension. To learn more about Aid and Attendance benefits, military service qualifications and how you may benefit from these services, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- How can veterans and their families request FirstLight’s services?
- Please contact your local FirstLight office to discuss which services are available and best for you.
Resources for Veterans and Their Family Caregivers
There are a number of resources for military veterans and the family members who care for them. We’ve collected several helpful links for you here, from assistance with benefits to family caregiver support.
VA Caregiver Support Program
The VA offers support to family caregivers who play an important role in caring for a Veteran at home and in the community. Get general caregiver support, tips and tools and connect with others here.
Additionally, each VA Medical Center has a Caregiver Support Coordinator available to assist with enrolling in these programs. For help, contact your local Caregiver Support Coordinator using the Caregiver Support Coordinator search tool.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes
There are more than 5.5 million military caregivers in the United States. Hidden Heroes brings attention to the untold stories of military caregivers.
The goals of the organization are to:
- Raise awareness of the many challenges military caregivers face every day
- Inspire individuals, businesses, communities, and civic, faith and government leaders to support military caregivers in their communities.
- Establish a national registry, encouraging military caregivers to register at HiddenHeroes.org to better connect them to helpful resources and support.
Find more helpful resources here.
Veteran’s Guide to Saving on Housing Costs
If you’re a veteran of the U.S. military, there are many ways that you can save on housing costs. From mortgage rates and home improvement to accessibility grants and discounted home insurance, there are various options to explore when it comes to buying a house.
This article provides tips on how to save with a VA loan, as well as other options for saving on a home loan. It also discusses available military discounts and exclusive options for home insurance and how to save after you move in. Learn how to save on housing costs.
AARP’s List of Resources
AARP has put together an extensive list of resources for veterans—from careers and finance to community to transportation. Check out these useful resources that many veterans might not know about.
Veteran Home Care Services – FirstLight Home Care
FirstLight Home Care’s quality veteran care aims to enhance the lives of veterans by providing dedicated, compassionate and personalized care. We are committed to improving the lives of veterans and their families by prioritizing their comfort, well-being and safety. Learn more about our veteran home care services or request a personalized price quote from your local office.