Serving in the military often has a significant impact on one’s health, both emotionally and physically. Many veterans, young and old, have disabling injuries that can make it difficult to perform basic activities of daily living on their own, such as eating, bathing, dressing and mobility. In home care for vets is a great starting point to give loved ones consistent daily support. However, it does require family members to be strong and flexible, which can be challenging alongside their other responsibilities.
Experienced veteran family caregivers can be a valuable additional resource for those seeking at-home care. FirstLight’s veteran home care services can assist with everything from household duties such as cooking, laundry and running errands to individual needs like personal hygiene and mobility assistance. We work with you to provide caregiving services that best suit your veteran’s unique physical and emotional needs.
Understanding the Needs of Veterans
At FirstLight Home Care, we believe in serving with honor. It is our privilege to provide exemplary home care for our nation’s heroes and their families. 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 when they need it the most. Experienced military caregivers 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 home care assistance for veterans can also 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, allowing them to take a temporary break from the responsibility of caring for their loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veteran Home Care Services
What types of services are covered under in-home care for vets?
FirstLight’s 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.
Can VA benefits be used to help cover the cost of veteran home care services?
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.
How do I qualify for Veterans aid and attendance benefits?
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.
- They must stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness.
- They are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability.
- Their eyesight is limited.
How do I know if my loved one is eligible for housebound veteran home care benefits?
Veterans may be eligible for housebound benefits if they get a VA pension and spend most of their time at home because of a permanent disability. However, individuals cannot receive Aid and Attendance benefits and housebound benefits simultaneously.
How does FirstLight in-home care for vets 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 Home Care’s services?
Contact your local FirstLight office to discuss which services are available and best for you.
Resources for Veterans and Their Family Caregivers
If you are caring for a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, it is important that you and your loved ones receive the care and benefits that you all deserve. Your regional VA benefit office can be a valuable starting point if you have questions about the benefits available to you.
There are also several additional outside resources for military veterans and their family members. We’ve compiled several helpful links for you here, covering assistance with benefits and support for family caregivers.
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. Additionally, each VA Medical Center has a Caregiver Support Coordinator available to assist with enrolling in these programs. Contact your local Caregiver Support Coordinator using the Caregiver Support Coordinator search tool.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes
According to RAND’s Military and Veteran Caregivers Study, there are currently more than 14 million military and veteran caregivers working in the United States. Hidden Heroes raises awareness of the challenges that military caregivers face to businesses, communities, and other civic and government institutions. They have also established a national registry that provides resources and support for military caregivers. If interested, you can register here.
Receive Quality Veteran Home Care Services With FirstLight Home Care
FirstLight Home Care’s quality in-home care for vets 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. Get started by learning more about Learn more about FirstLight’s veteran senior care at home services today and request a personalized price quote from your local office.