Veterans Benefits For Spouse With Dementia

Va Programs For Memory Care

Overview of VA Memory Care Options

*ADL stands for Activities of Daily Living, which include bathing, eating, cooking, and many other tasks necessary for normal daily life.

Program Eligibility

Veterans who qualify for VA Healthcare have access to a wide variety of help with the treatment of dementia. Whether the veteran in your life needs to see a doctor, to get an in-home aide, or to move to a 24-hour memory care unit, the VA should be able to provide some funding or support that is based on the veterans income and priority level within the VA Healthcare system. Often times, the VA allows a veteran to use multiple programs at once.

Waitlists

If youre considering placing the veteran you care for in a residential setting such as a nursing home, assisted living facility, or medical foster care, be aware that some locations have waitlists. If you find that the veteran will not able to transfer right away due to a waitlist, you may still be able to get help from the VA with finding temporary in-home care solutions in the meantime.

How To Pay For Alzheimers Care

There are steps you can take to reduce the amount you and your family must pay out of pocket for Alzheimers care. Long-term care insurance policies will pay out for skilled nursing care, but not all seniors have invested in such a policy. If you dont have one, experts recommend buying one before you reach age 65.

Choosing a semi-private room rather than a private room can save you and your family thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on care, depending on where you live. In California, for example, a semi-private room in a skilled-nursing facility costs about $14,000 less per year than a private room. Illinois residents can save an average of $10,000 annually by choosing a semi-private room. In Arizona, a semi-private room averages $15,000 less than a private room.

In states with very high costs of care, it might make financial sense to moveespecially if your loved one is in good physical health apart from the dementia diagnosis. For example, a person in Delaware who needs Alzheimers care can expect to pay more than $109,000 a year for a semi-private room. Relocating to a facility near relatives or friends in a less expensive state could save money not only on nursing care, but on visiting family members airfare and time away from work for visits.

Another option to help pay for care is the veterans Aid and Attendance benefit.

Va Disability Benefits For Dementia

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms related to memory loss, and impaired thinking, judgment, and social abilities that is severe enough to negatively affect daily life. It does not, in fact, refer to a specific disease or condition, but a number of diseases cause dementia, the most prominent of which is Alzheimers disease.

Unfortunately, veterans may be at a higher risk of developing dementia, particularly those who have endured traumatic service-related events or suffered serious head injuries. VA offers varying levels of disability compensation for those veterans who can prove a service connection for their diagnosis. The rating you receives depends on the severity of the condition.

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Certain medications can also affect memory. A lack of sleep and an impaired thyroid function can negatively affect memory. Some of these conditions can also lead to a decreased ability to remember events. In addition to these, natural aging can affect brain function, and may lead to a slowdown in memory. Although this symptom does not necessarily mean that youre losing your memory, it could indicate a problem with your cognitive ability. If you are suffering from either, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine if youre suffering from memory loss. Veterans Benefits for Spouse With Dementia

In addition to aging, medications can affect memory. Certain antidepressants, anxiety medications, and sleep disorders can all affect memory. A persons mental health can also contribute to memory problems. In some cases, a persons mental state may be affected by the medication they are taking. Some untreated medical conditions can lead to deterioration of the brain and affect the ability to learn and remember. It is also important to see a medical professional if your symptoms persist even after youve stopped taking certain medications.

Total Disability Based On Tdiu For Dementia

Total disability based on individual unemployability is another type of VA disability compensation available to veterans who meet certain qualifications. Applicants must have a single service-connected disability with a rating above 60 percent or two or more service-connected disabilities with a combined rating of at least 70 percent. People approved for this benefit must prove they cannot work at all due to a dementia diagnosis.

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What Are The Dementia Care Options For Veterans And Spouses

Dementia, especially in the late stages, is a major cause of disability. Veterans who are diagnosed with dementia will eventually require assistance with personal care activities. Dementia care provides veterans and spouses with invaluable support as they pass through the stages of dementia.

As a progressive brain condition, dementia causes a decline in memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to perform the activities of daily living. Alzheimers disease is considered to be the most common form of dementia. Alzheimers disease contributes to about 60 to 70 percent of dementia cases.

Treatment does not currently exist to cure dementia, prevent it or otherwise slow its progression. However, certain treatments are available to help improve symptoms. Veterans and their spouses who live an active, healthy lifestyle can reduce their risk for developing dementia.

Dementia care becomes increasingly necessary after the diagnosis is made. An early diagnosis allows for optimal management of the condition. Dementia care promotes physical and cognitive well-being behavioral and psychological problems are detected and treated and, caregivers receive long-term support.

The Department of Veterans Affairs supports veterans who are diagnosed with dementia. The VA offers a range of care options, many of which veterans and their families are unaware. Veterans must meet specified criteria in order to be eligible to receive benefits.

Compensation & Pension Exams For Dementia

The VA requires some people who have filed a disability claim to undergo a medical exam known as C & P. The purpose of this exam is for the doctor to gather additional information to help the Department of Veterans Affairs approve or deny your request for VA benefits. Since the symptoms of dementia occur due to disturbances in the brain, claimants can expect to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and skills demonstration during their appointment. Veterans may also need to undergo additional medical tests such as an MRI or CT scan.

Most C & P exams take less than one hour to complete. Veterans should try to relax and go in being as honest and transparent as possible regarding their worst symptoms. The exam should hopefully uncover physical, emotional, and cognitive changes associated with dementia.

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Benefits Available For Spouses With Dementia

While VA benefits are intended for all veterans first and foremost, there are specific programs available for their current and surviving spouses who may directly or indirectly support their dementia care. There are two programs available that provide health care benefits for veterans family members: CHAMPVA or TRICARE.

Qualifying For Va Pensions

For veterans and surviving spouses who are over the income and / or asset limits, there are ways in which they can still qualify for a pension.

Excess IncomeVeterans and surviving spouses are able to deduct unreimbursed recurring medical and care expenses that are greater than 5% of the maximum annual pension rate . This deduction is particularly relevant for persons with dementia who spend a significant amount on long-term care, as these care expenses can be deducted from ones annual income, lowering their countable income.

Excess AssetsVeterans and surviving spouses who have assets that put them over the net worth limit can spend down countable assets by paying off debt, purchasing an irrevocable funeral trust, or buying household items for fair market value.

Another option is to make home modifications that enable persons with dementia to be able to continue living safely in their homes. Examples might include fencing in the yard or special locks to help prevent wandering, installing a chair lift for assistance getting up and down the stairs, and replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower.

Professional Planning Assistance

Calculating countable income can be complicated and knowing which expenses can be deducted is often confusing. In addition, when spending down countable assets, persons can unknowingly violate the VAs look-back period and be penalized with a period of pension ineligibility.

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Basic Pensions: A Solution For Rising Care Costs

VA Pensions are a monetary benefit for veterans over the age of 65. These pensions are not specifically awarded to cover the cost of an assisted living facility, but the funds may be used however the veteran sees fit. If the veteran isnt yet in an assisted living facility, the funds can be used for services like home care aids or adult daycare facilities.

The basic pension is awarded to healthy veterans over the age of 65 who financially qualify as low-income or meet other special requirements.

Debbie Burak, founder of VeteranAid.org explains, The VA classifies any veteran at the age of 65 to be permanently and totally disabled regardless of your physical state. The classification of disabled entitles the veteran or widow to a Basic Pension if he/she meets the net worth and income criteria. The same is true for the surviving spouse. No Physicians Statement is required for filing for Basic Pension.

Basic Pension / Aid & Attendance Pension

VA Pensions provide supplemental income for low-income veterans or their surviving spouses and are ideal for aiding in the cost of long-term care associated with Alzheimers disease or a related dementia. While there is a Basic Pension that provides monthly income assistance, there is also the Aid & Attendance Pension for persons with higher care needs. This pension is intended for those who require assistance with activities of daily living, which may include eating, walking, using the bathroom, grooming, and dressing oneself. Make note, the amount of income received via the Aid & Attendance Pension is above and beyond what one may receive via the Basic Pension.

The Aid & Attendance Pension is relevant for veterans or their surviving spouses in the mid-to-late stages of dementia, but not in the early stages. This is because persons in the early stage will not be functionally eligible for the program . More on Aid & Attendance eligibility and benefits.

Did You Know?

Make note, veterans who are receiving VA Disability compensation cannot simultaneously receive the Aid & Attendance Pension. Also, receiving a VA pension may disqualify a veteran from receiving Medicaid. However, a veteran may qualify for the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services program while receiving the Aid & Attendance Pension.

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Memory Care Facilities For Veterans

As dementia progresses, it may become time to consider memory care outside of the home. A unique bond exists between American veterans, and many feel at home with their brothers and sisters-in-arms because of shared life experiences. In such cases, a veteran may choose to look at veteran memory care facilities, including State Veterans Homes and VA Community Living Centers. Eligible veterans may also choose to live in a private sector community through the Community Nursing Home option.

Va Health Care For Elderly Veterans

Geriatrics is health care for elderly Veterans with complex needs. Extended care also known as long term care is a program for Veterans of all ages who need the daily support and assistance of another individual. Elderly Veterans can receive geriatric and long term care programs at home, at VA medical centers, or in the community.

• Geriatrics Research

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Service Connection For Dementia

To receive disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans must submit a disability claim that connects the dementia diagnosis with military service. The dementia diagnosis must be service-connected in that the veteran developed dementia while completing military service or the military service worsened an existing condition.

When applying for VA benefits, veterans must have a current dementia diagnosis and describe a specific event or occurrence that caused or exacerbated the condition. The VA refers to this as a medical nexus.

Traumatic brain injury is a common example of a medical nexus. A veteran who suffered a TBI in combat could easily link that incident to a later dementia diagnosis. Veterans with mental health challenges, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, may need to provide more medical evidence to demonstrate how their health condition developed into dementia. Some VA benefits that veterans with dementia may be able to receive upon approval of their disability claim include:

• Assisted living care
• Respite care for caregivers

How Much Money Can A Veteran Receive For Memory Care

With the median cost of memory care communities at $4,000 a month, according to A Place for Moms most recent community survey, it is essential for veterans and their families to understand how much money they may be eligible to receive through their military-connected status. The money available for memory care services through the VA varies greatly depending upon a veterans unique circumstances. A veterans service-connected disability rating, current financial status, discharge status, and more may play a role in the VA benefits and health care services provided. You can learn more by reading this Veterans Benefits Guide by A Place for Mom.

There are many ways to fund memory care if you are a veteran or their surviving spouse from VA financial benefits, like pensions and the Aid and Attendance benefit, to specific VA health care programs and memory care facilities.

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Required Military Service During A Period Of Declared War

Periods of War, Beginning and Ending Dates

• World War II, December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946
• Korean Conflict, June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955
• Vietnam Era, August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975 for veterans who served in country before August 5, 1964, February 28, 1961 through May 7, 1975
• Gulf War, August 2, 1990 through a date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation

Initial Causes Veterans Benefits For Spouse With Dementia

There are several different causes of memory loss. Some cause this condition in the young, while others may be more gradual. If you notice that your memory is weakening, its important to consult a medical professional. Whether the cause is mental illness, age, or a combination of factors, its important to seek treatment as soon as possible. People with extensive memory loss may have social difficulties and anxiety, which can lead to depression. They may be afraid they are letting their loved ones down, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Veterans Benefits for Spouse With Dementia

Fortunately, there are many causes of memory loss, and many of them are treatable. However, if you are experiencing serious memory problems, you may need medical treatment. If you have been undergoing any type of medication, you should consult with your doctor. Some people have other underlying conditions that may be causing their loss of memory. Alcohol abuse, sleep deprivation, or other mental health conditions can cause memory problems. You should seek out a medical professional if you suspect youre suffering from any of these conditions.

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Assisted Living For Veterans: Benefits You Didnt Know Existed

Veterans give their all in the service, yet may find it challenging to resume their civilian lives, especially if they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder . Reintegrating into the community can be a long, hard road.

And even later in life, veterans face an additional hurdle if they need to move into an assisted living facility : the high cost of care.

Fortunately for veterans and their surviving spouses, there are benefits available to help alleviate the financial burden that comes with long-term care in an assisted living facility.

Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance

The DEA program helps eligible children and spouses of veterans pay for school or job training.

The program is for spouses and dependents of veterans that either:

• Were disabled by a service-related condition
• Died on active duty or from a service-related illness

These VA spouse education benefits may be awarded for up to 45 months to pursue:

• College degrees
• Business, technical or vocational certifications
• Preparatory courses for admission tests to a university or college

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Va Health Care And Long

Most elderly veterans have already enrolled in the VA health care program and receive medical services through the Veterans Health Administration. In addition to basic services provided through the VA, such as preventive care and inpatient hospital services, elderly veterans with dementia may also qualify for home- and community-based care programs and residential long-term care.

Appropriate VA programs for veterans with dementia may include:

• Home-based primary care
• Board and care residences
• Nursing home care
• Palliative care

Some of these settings and care types may offer specialized dementia care programming or memory care units, but note that generally there are no separate VA eligibility criteria or application processes for veterans with dementia.

Locate a VA Medical Center near you to consult with a VA social worker who can help determine what programs are appropriate and available for your situation, the specific services they provide, eligibility requirements, and costs. You can also explore all VA resources for dementia care on the VA Office of Geriatrics & Extended Care website.