Another way to salute our veterans on Memorial Day

As we approach Memorial Day, our veterans are first and foremost in our minds.  However, what many of us may overlook is the growing importance of identifying good housing options for our aging vets.

A recent USA Today/ABC News Gallup Poll found that more than 40 percent of baby boomers whose parents are alive – whether veterans are not – are providing them with financial care, personal care or both. In addition, the National Alliance for Caregivers indicates that caregivers of veterans are twice as likely to remain a caregiver for 10 years or longer, and are often unable to retain a job while providing adequate care for their veteran.            

Both of these studies demonstrate the importance of good, affordable living options for aging veterans.  One of the least understood may well be the Aid & Attendance Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help offset the cost of rent in assisted living communities for veterans and their spouses.  Although it is not a new benefit, many of those who are eligible are unaware of what it can provide.

Under Aid & Attendance, veterans may qualify for up to $1,704 monthly and
surviving spouses may qualify for $1,094 monthly to assist with rent at an
assisted living facility.  For a couple (married veteran and spouse), the benefit is $2,020.  There are also benefits available for the spouse of a veteran, even if the veteran is still alive but will not be living in the assisted living facility.

Information on Aid & Attendance is available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and many assisted living facilities.  In addition, Plantation South Dunwoody will host a free seminar on VA Aid & Attendance at the community, 4594 Barclay Dr., Dunwoody, Ga. 30338 on Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. For more information about Aid & Attendance or to RSVP, please contact 678-534-5072.

About this column:  Identifying high quality, affordable housing for seniors, including veterans, can be difficult.  Yonnie Stevens, executive director of Plantation South Dunwoody (www.plantationsouth-dunwoody.com), a senior living and Alzheimer’s care residential community, can help. She can be reached at 678-534-5072 or ED.Dun@smacommunity.net.