Retired U.S. Veterans Need and Deserve In-Home Support

According to Hero’s Bridge, a veteran advocacy group, our aging veterans are at risk for several physical and mental health issues including:

Malnutrition – A recent study of malnutrition among older vets in home-based primary care found that 15% were malnourished.

Substance Abuse – 18% of older veterans have recent substance abuse history compared to 1% of the general older population.

PTSD – Close to 17% of veterans had PTSD emerge for the first time later in life. The emergence of PTSD symptoms in late life (after retirement age) has been noted to correlate with the onset of dementia.

Multiple Conditions – Older veterans are 25% more likely than nonveterans to report experiencing two or more chronic conditions.

Suicide – Older veterans account for 58% of veteran suicide deaths in a recent Suicide Data Report

These retired service men and women deserve dignified, comforting care as they age. At ameriCARE, we make it our goal not only to provide these services but to help veterans understand the benefits they are entitled to which help cover the cost of these services.

Getting Financial Support for In-Home Care Services

There are VA benefits available that cover home health aide and homemaker services for veterans with a medical need for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). When working with one of our care partners, we discovered that there are over 8 million veterans in the VA healthcare system over 65, but only around 150,000 are accessing this benefit. That means less than 2 percent of our veterans are receiving the assistance they have earned and so rightly deserve.

Learn More About These VA Benefits ›

“We make it our mission to educate and advocate on the benefits covered by the VA and how in-home care can lead to a better quality of life for our veterans.”

—Clayton Smith, CPA, CDP, Chief Financial Officer of ameriCARE Texas

Tailoring Non-Medical In-Home Care for Veterans

Many veterans have faced trying situations and felt the pressures of our nation’s security and safety on their shoulders. As a result, maintaining independence and autonomy as they age has become tantamount to veteran mental health and well-being. After serving, it may be difficult for some to rely on others for help with daily tasks and activities. Having a knowledgeable, experienced caregiver can help ease this transition. Understanding boundaries, effective communication, and trauma-informed care are all important components to a successful in-home caregiver and the veteran client relationship.

Supporting Veterans Through Tailored Training for In-Home Caregivers

Many ameriCARE locations provide their caregivers with specialized training to better support our veterans and even offer special wages as veteran cases can be complex and deserve tailored care.

Our non-medical in-home care services help with several activities of daily living like:

• Companionship
• Meal planning & prep
• Laundry
• Light housework
• Shopping & errands
• Transportation
• Mobility assistance
• Medication reminders
• Toileting
• Bathing & showering
• Oral hygiene
• Feeding
• Dressing
• Incontinence care
• Ambulation & transfers

But they also provide companionship and emotional support. Many of our veterans face isolation as they age. Many times, they survive their loved ones and spend a great deal of their time alone. Because they are at higher risk for substance abuse, PTSD, and suicide, it is crucial that our aging veterans receive companion care to help curb these risks.

Read More About the Dangers of Isolation for Seniors ›

“We have had so many amazing Veterans who love to share their stories with our care team. Many are isolated and need the type of companion care that makes ameriCARE so different for this special group of people.”

—Steve Levy, Owner, ameriCARE Silicon Valley

Getting Support as a Veteran or Loved One of a Veteran

ameriCARE works to connect dedicated, well-trained, and thoughtful local caregivers to veterans and other seniors throughout the country. We make it our priority to help veterans and their families navigate the VA and to act as their liaison while they go through the benefit approval process. Our teams, many of which include former service men and women, are waiting ready to help you or your loved one receive respectful, helpful care right in the comfort of your own home. Explore our locally owned and operated in-home care agencies to find your nearest ameriCARE.

Find Your Local ameriCARE ›