Veteran In-Home Care
For those who have served our country, the Veterans Administration (VA) offers options to help pay for the care you need to age in place. The experienced team at A Place At Home of Merrimack Valley is honored to deliver the quality of service we’re known for to veterans in Lowell, Billerica, Andover, and the surrounding communities.
VA Home Care Benefits
Many senior veterans don’t realize they’re eligible for a range of in-home care services provided by the VA Community Care Networks.
The services our senior veterans receive include:
The services our senior veterans receive include:
- Homemaker and home health aide services
- Skilled home healthcare
- Home-based primary care
- Respite services for families and loved ones
- Adult day health care
- Telehealth
What Types of VA Benefits Can Help With In-Home Care Costs?
We understand that cost may be a concern for some veterans. The VA covers some, but not all, veteran senior care services.Veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Allowance are additional programs that can help veterans pay for in-home care. They work by increasing your monthly pension amount to help pay for short- or long-term care.
VA Aid and Attendance
VA A&A was designed to help those living with temporary or permanent illnesses or disabilities afford short- or long-term care. In order to be eligible for VA A&A, you must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a period of war, and you must not have received a dishonorable discharge.
Basic, Clinical, and Financial Requirements
To qualify for the basic pension, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be 65 or older with limited or no income
- Have a permanent and total disability
- Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
- Reside in a nursing home
You’ll also need to meet one of the following clinical requirements:
- Bedridden aside from medical or therapy appointments
- Severe visual impairment
- Reside in a nursing home due to physical or mental incapacity, including cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Require assistance with some ADLs, including (but not limited to) bathing, toileting, and dressing
Lastly, you’ll need to meet some financial requirements. Your net worth is an important factor, as is your countable income, like out-of-pocket medical costs and health insurance premiums. These financial requirements can be complex, but A Place at Home of Merrimack Valley will be happy to help you understand them.
Housebound Allowance
The VA offers additional Housebound benefits to those who receive a VA pension and spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. Please keep in mind that you can’t receive A&A and Housebound benefits at the same time.
How to Apply
Depending on your situation and preferences, there are multiple ways to apply for VA A&A or Housebound benefits. Many find the process confusing or cumbersome, but with A Place At Home on your side, it doesn’t need to be. We’ll help you determine which benefits best fit your needs and guide you throughout the application process. Feel free to contact our Lowell team for more assistance.
Find a VA In-Home Caregiver in Lowell
For senior veterans who have risked their lives in service, seeking quality in-home care should be easy. Reach out to A Place At Home of Merrimack Valley for help navigating your VA benefits and getting the care you deserve.