Veterans: Don’t Let Obstacles Deter You from these Benefits

While there are benefits available to veterans to assist them with in-home care or senior living community expenses, many are so bombarded with scams and hoaxes that they just give up and end up not getting a penny of what is rightfully coming to them. Other obstacles can include being confused by the application process and not being able to gather the correct documentation.

One of the most under-used VA benefits is the Aid and Attendance pension benefit. Some veterans or surviving spouses might even think it a scam due to the scam artists who try to gouge seniors out of their hard-earned money with promises of being able to fully guarantee acceptance. This, of course, can only be done by the Department of Veteran Affairs itself.

What are the obstacles?

• As immoral and unbelievable as it may sound, there are unscrupulous people out there who make a good living off of charging exorbitant fees to seniors who just want to gain VA benefits. They often promise a guarantee of eligibility – but seniors shouldn’t be deterred by these scam artists because the Aid and Attendance pension benefit is a real benefit that has helped thousands of families in the past.
  
• Many veterans and/or surviving spouses don’t realize that they might be eligible for this VA benefit. It’s a commonly held belief that to be eligible for the Aid and Attendance pension, the veteran must have sustained injury during combat or service. This simply isn’t true. Some of the eligibility requirements that most people might not be aware of include that the veteran didn’t have to see combat; the veteran doesn’t have be retired from the military; and they don’t have to have a service-related injury to receive this pension.
  
• Finally, one of the biggest obstacles remains how very complicated the process can be. Here’s where you can count on the website: VeterainAid.org for help. They list all of the information you need, and provide assistance – all for free – with every step of the eligibility and submission process.

Are you a senior living in the Fallston area interested in senior veterans care in Baltimore County or home care in Harford County? You are encouraged to contact the Always Best Care Fallston location at 410-877-3787 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to chatting with you about your bright future!

Seniors: The Benefits of Decluttering Your Home

Americans are somewhat used to clutter. There is barely one among us that doesn’t live in at least a slightly cluttered home. Whether it’s piles of newspapers on the sideboard or stuffed animals pushed behind the sofa, raising a family and then entering retirement years means dealing with a lot of extra “stuff” in the home. But, did you know that all of that “stuff” can be dangerous?

It’s a fact that one out of every three people over the age of 65 falls every year. It’s also a fact that falling is the number one cause of injury-related fatalities for that age group. With a lot of clutter around – slipping, tripping or falling is a whole lot easier to do.

Not to mention that seniors are at a higher risk of developing hoarding disorders, due to being alone, losing their spouse, depression, loneliness, etc. Hoarding disorders are not only hard on the senior but also hard on the family. Seniors may find that family and friends visit much less often, and that they start feeling more and more out of control of their lives.

Excessive papers, materials, and junk in general can pose fire hazard problems. Consider piles of papers that are mistakenly left on a radiator or space heaters that get accidentally covered by a piece of clothing. Plus, hoarding can lead to mold and mildew problems, heating and air ducts that become blocked, bacteria exposure, and more.

In addition to the physical and mental toll clutter can take on a person, there is also a financial impact. The senior may end up losing their hairbrush or some article or piece of equipment or appliance that they deem necessary. When they can’t find it – they replace it. This not only adds to the amount of “stuff” in the home, it also wastes money.

Organizing the home, by throwing items into “save,” “donate,” and “trash” piles will not only work wonders for the home, it will also work wonders for the senior’s mental attitude and physical well-being. Plus, if you’re ready to sell your home, decluttering will increase its value and your home will sell more quickly.

Seniors who live in the Fallston area who are interested in learning about home care in Cecil County or about how to obtain free referrals for assisted living in Cecil County are invited to contact the Always Best Care Fallston location at 410-877-3787 to set up a free care consultation.