Caring for an aging parent can be challenging and emotionally taxing. The high cost of senior care, particularly nursing homes, can add significant financial strain. However, additional help may be available if your parent is a veteran. This post will explore Georgia veterans’ benefits and how they can help with senior care.
Georgia Veterans Benefits: What Coverage Can Your Senior Parent Enjoy
1. Nursing Home Care
Georgia has two state-owned nursing homes dedicated to serving eligible war veterans. These facilities prioritize skilled nursing care while striving to improve veterans’ overall well-being.
Eligibility
- Be a current resident of Georgia and meet one of the residency requirements.
- Resided in Georgia two years immediately preceding the date of application
- Resided in Georgia for five or more of the past 15 years
- Have served on active duty during a designated wartime period.
- Have a discharge under honorable conditions.
- Be approved for skilled nursing care by the VA.
- Be free of contagious diseases and severe behavioral or psychiatric issues.
- Not require life support through mechanical means.
Financial Considerations
A daily fee is associated with residence. However, eligible veterans can apply for VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits to offset these costs. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating over 70% have their fees fully covered by the VA. Those admitted due to a service-related condition may also have their fees covered.
Applying for Admission
Contact the Admissions Office in Augusta, Milledgeville, or any local GDVS Veterans Field Service Office.
2. Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit
The VA A&A benefit provides additional monthly payments to qualified veterans and their families needing assistance with daily living activities.
Eligibility for A&A:
- Be a recipient of a VA pension.
- Require daily assistance with activities like bathing, dressing, or eating.
- Be confined to bed due to illness for a significant amount of time.
- Living in a nursing home due to physical and mental limitations from a disability.
- Have limited eyesight (even with corrective lenses).
The Application Process
There are several ways to apply for A&A benefits
Mail: Download and complete VA Form 21-2680 and have your doctor fill out the examination section. Once complete, mail it to your Pension Management Center (PMC).
In-person: Visit your nearest VA regional office.
Strengthen your application by including:
- A doctor’s report verifying the need for A&A care.
- Details about your daily routine and mobility.
- Information about your illness, injury, or disability that hinders your independence.
Additional Requirements for Nursing Home Residents
Veterans residing in nursing homes must also complete VA Form 21-0779 (Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance).
3. Housebound Benefit
The VA Housebound benefit offers financial assistance to permanently housebound veterans due to a service-connected disability. Similar to A&A, they must also receive a VA pension.
Applying for Housebound
The application process for Housebound benefits is similar to applying for A&A. You can submit your application and supporting documentation using the above-mentioned methods.
Important Note: You cannot receive both A&A and Housebound benefits simultaneously.
The Bottom Line
Don’t hesitate to leverage the support system available to veterans. Explore the GDVS website or attend a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) meeting to see if your veteran qualifies. Every step towards securing these well-deserved benefits brings you closer to peace of mind.
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