For many of us in the United States, military service touches our lives, whether through family, friends, or our communities. Our veterans have sacrificed so much and genuinely deserve our heartfelt gratitude, compassion, and care. Sadly, many of these brave individuals feel isolated and face daily challenges with tasks most of us take for granted, like preparing meals, keeping up with household chores, or managing their own wellbeing.
As veterans grow older, it becomes more important to provide the support they need to remain independent at home. After years spent in service to our country, these individuals deserve dignity, comfort, and attentive care. By investing in the health of our senior veterans, we help them enjoy a higher quality of life and honor their commitment to us all.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes these needs and provides veterans home care funding in Independence, OR, to assist servicepeople and their loved ones. What many families don't realize is that long-term care options - including in-home care - are included in programs like ameriCARE's Veteran CARE services.
Today, many of our veterans are vulnerable to a variety of issues that can impact their quality of life. However, through our Veteran CARE services, we're able to provide customized, compassionate care that addresses those issues and provides families like yours with peace of mind. Whether they're returning from combat with new health challenges or simply need an extra hand throughout the day as they age, our team is here to help.
Our agency owners are dedicated to guiding veterans through the process of accessing their benefits and understanding their eligibility. This important service, available at many of our franchise locations, empowers veterans to overcome the often confusing world of entitlements. With empathy and expertise, we strive to honor veterans by delivering personalized care and knowledgeable guidance, supporting them in living fuller, more independent lives.
The VA offers valuable benefits that include coverage for home health aide and homemaker services to veterans who require help with daily living activities. Through collaboration with one of our care partners, we learned that, out of more than 8 million veterans in the VA healthcare system aged 65 and older, only about 150,000 are utilizing this support. This means fewer than 2 percent of eligible veterans are getting the care they've rightfully earned. In some cases, such as with "Aid and Attendance," surviving spouses of veterans may also be eligible for benefits.
ameriCARE is committed to linking veterans and seniors nationwide with compassionate, highly trained caregivers from their own communities. We're proud to say that our mission goes beyond care - in fact, we're happy to help guide veterans and their families through the complexities of the VA system, offering hands-on support during the entire approval process. Many of our franchise owners team members are veterans themselves, who are dedicated to ensuring you or your loved one receives reliable, personalized care at home.
Regardless of how long they served, many military veterans leave service with a litany of health issues - both mental and physical. Some of the most common problems that older veterans face after leaving the military include
Research from the National Center for PTSD reveals that as many as 23% of veterans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder during their lifetime. For some, symptoms may not surface until later years, often following retirement. Notably, the development or worsening of PTSD in older adults has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, suggesting a complex relationship between trauma and cognitive decline as veterans age.
A recent study featured in the National Library of Medicine examined the prevalence of malnutrition among older veterans receiving home-based primary care. The researchers discovered that 15% of these individuals were classified as malnourished, highlighting a significant health concern within this population. Malnutrition in elderly veterans can lead to a range of complications, such as weakened immune response, slower recovery from illness, and increased risk of hospitalization. These issues underscore the need for veterans home care funding in Independence, OR that helps seniors with eating and nutrition challenges.
Studies show that older veterans face a 25% higher likelihood of reporting multiple chronic health issues compared to their nonveteran peers. This trend underscores the unique health challenges veterans may encounter as they age, which often stem from service-related injuries, stress, and more.
Veterans often carry the weight of their service, having endured challenging circumstances and shouldered responsibility for the security of others. As they grow older, preserving their sense of independence becomes deeply intertwined with their mental and emotional health. For many, shifting from self-reliance to accepting help with everyday activities can be a significant adjustment.
A skilled caregiver who understands veterans' unique backgrounds can make this transition smoother. Building trust through respect for personal boundaries, clear communication, and trauma-informed care is essential to fostering a strong partnership between veterans and their in-home caregivers.
Many ameriCARE locations provide their caregivers with specialized training to better support our veterans as veteran cases can be complex and deserve tailored care.
Our caregivers offer support with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and managing dietary needs. They also encourage healthy habits and lifestyle choices, ensuring you or your loved one receives personalized nutrition and wellness guidance.
Tasks like bathing, using the restroom, getting dressed, and maintaining oral hygiene can become challenging because of aging or ongoing health conditions. Our dedicated caregivers are specially trained to assist with these personal routines and always prioritize the veteran's comfort, privacy, and self-esteem.
A tidy living space does more than promote good hygiene. It fosters a sense of comfort, security, and overall wellbeing. Our caregivers help with everyday household tasks, making sure your home remains a safe, inviting, and organized environment.
When driving becomes a challenge, whether for you or a veteran family member, our caregivers step in to help. They can handle errands such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, ensuring appointments are kept, and providing reliable support for many other daily needs.
In-home caregivers from ameriCARE are dedicated to supporting your loved one's mobility and safety. From accompanying them on short walks to guiding them through physical therapy routines, we help promote regular movement and keep them engaged in activities that support their health and independence.
Our caregivers foster engagement by offering gentle support and uplifting encouragement. We create opportunities for veterans to participate in enriching activities, make social connections, and develop genuine bonds with their in-home caregivers.
We can accompany you or the older veteran in your life to medical appointments. We can also help relay any information or instructions provided by doctors.
Coping with the effects of aging, disability, or recovery from injury often involves juggling multiple medications with specific timing and dosages. Our caregivers can help ensure that you or your veteran loved one receives the correct medications at the right times, providing peace of mind while supporting overall health.
Our comprehensive care extends to beloved pets as well. We can assist with daily dog walks, feeding routines, arranging transportation for vet visits, and maintaining pet hygiene. By helping with day-to-day chores like pet care, we help enhance the wellbeing of senior veterans and their animal companions.
While many veterans have a primary care physician or a home health care professional, they may still need a real human connection beyond medical care. Veteran-funded home care can help you or your loved one maintain a more balanced life, one visit at a time. That's where ameriCARE comes in. We work tirelessly to connect dedicated, welltrained, and dependable caregivers to veterans across the United States.
If you're looking for a locally-owned home care company that provides veterans with personalized support, Request More Info today. It would be our honor to help you and your family navigate the VA and to act as your liaison throughout the benefit approval process.
Ready to get started on your journey with ameriCARE? Request More Info today to schedule your consultation and learn more information about how we can assist you or your senior loved one.
The recent change in the position of Bangladesh Bank governor has sparked much debate across the country. Many expected Dr Ahsan H Mansur to complete his full term, till August 2028. That was wishful thinking as political governments typically appoint their own people to lead ministries, departments and institutions, a common practice worldwide. Some argue that the central bank governor’s role is highly specialised and technical, and given the organisation’s importance, it should stay above politics. Moreover, no government shoul...
The recent change in the position of Bangladesh Bank governor has sparked much debate across the country. Many expected Dr Ahsan H Mansur to complete his full term, till August 2028. That was wishful thinking as political governments typically appoint their own people to lead ministries, departments and institutions, a common practice worldwide. Some argue that the central bank governor’s role is highly specialised and technical, and given the organisation’s importance, it should stay above politics. Moreover, no government should be able to remove a governor before their term ends. We have seen how Jerome Powell, despite attempts by the US president, could not be removed because the chair of the Federal Reserve is protected by law.
However, in Bangladesh, where institutions are fragile and governance often relies on expediency rather than norms and due process, this expectation is unrealistic. In such an environment, power frequently bypasses rules and proper procedures are replaced by political motives. Yet, adhering to established norms is crucial here as institutions need stability and respect that only proper procedure can provide.
While a change in the central bank leadership might be anticipated, how it is managed reveals the resilience and maturity of our institutions. The governor’s role goes beyond mere employment. It embodies reliability and public trust in the financial system. If this transition was inevitable, it could have been handled with more finesse. Announcing the removal through the media and the suddenness of the exit diminish both the individual’s and the institution’s dignity. Despite any policy disagreements, the governor who led the central bank during challenging times deserved formal communication and a respectful farewell.
The appointment of the new governor, announced on the same day, has also generated curiosity as well as criticism, with his qualifications, profession and party affiliation being discussed publicly. This, again, is an exclusive issue for the government as such appointments are not made through a structured recruitment process.
The process of selecting a central bank governor varies across countries. But in most established democracies, it is designed to balance professional competence, institutional independence, and democratic accountability. Professional credibility and macroeconomic expertise are key criteria for the appointment. While the executive branch usually plays a central role in appointments, safeguards are often built in to prevent arbitrary removal and to protect the institution’s autonomy.
In many advanced and emerging economies, three common features are observed in the appointment of a central bank governor. First, the appointment is formalised through legal procedures rather than informal political decisions. Second, fixed terms are provided to protect policy continuity. Third, removal before the end of term is either legally restricted or politically costly. In some countries, parliamentary hearings or legislative confirmations add an additional layer of transparency.
The underlying principle is clear. While central banks are accountable to the state, they must be insulated from day-to-day political interference. Monetary policy decisions, such as setting interest rates, managing liquidity, or supervising banks, require technical judgement and long-term vision. If governors can be appointed or dismissed abruptly without due process, markets may question the institution’s credibility.
The eruption of mob violence at the Bangladesh Bank premises prior to the transition is deeply troubling. A central bank is not merely an administrative office. It is a symbol of monetary sovereignty and financial discipline. When groups can exert pressure through such physical presence, it sends a damaging signal to markets as well as the international community. Such actions undermine not only the authority of the governor but also the dignity and credibility of the institution itself. Protecting the sanctity of national institutions is essential if we are to preserve public trust and uphold the rule of law.
The whole episode of the governor’s removal and the appointment of his successor has once again brought the issue of the Bangladesh Bank’s independence to the fore. Central bank independence is a fundamental institutional safeguard essential for economic stability, crisis management, and long-term prosperity. Dr Mansur sought to exercise independence in steering the banking sector, addressing the challenges he inherited when he took over the central bank in August 2024. Governance weaknesses, rising non-performing loans (NPLs), regulatory forbearance, and politically influenced lending had eroded discipline. Addressing such entrenched problems required decisive, and at times unpopular, measures. Dr Mansur initiated steps that were long overdue. For example, boards of several weak banks were dissolved and reconstituted. Asset quality reviews (AQRs) of several banks were undertaken to uncover their true health. More AQRs are ongoing. Five weak banks with mounting NPLs were merged to create a single strong bank. Initiatives to recover stolen assets were taken. Reform initiatives included amendments to the Banking Companies Act and the formulation of a bank resolution framework. The Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 was also revised and strengthened, which is an essential legal instrument underpinning central bank autonomy. Unfortunately, the amended order did not see the light of day during the interim government, and that reform remains pending at the ministry level.
With the appointment of a new governor, there is an expectation that the reform processes started by Dr Mansur will persist to help the banking sector better serve the economy. Additionally, it is hoped that the new governor will uphold the institution’s independence and integrity against any threats. The new governor must ensure that BB’s capacity to make monetary and financial stability decisions is independent and not influenced by short-term political pressures, particularly those related to electoral cycles.
Countries such as New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Sweden, Germany, Chile, India and the US illustrate that independent central banks have managed crises effectively. New Zealand pioneered inflation targeting with operational autonomy and transparency. Canada and the UK navigated financial crises through credible, data-driven policy actions. The European Central Bank demonstrated decisive leadership during the euro area sovereign debt crisis. Chile’s constitutional entrenchment of central bank independence helped overcome a history of high inflation. India strengthened its monetary framework in 2016 by formally adopting inflation targeting. These examples show that independence enables decisive, credible, and forward-looking action. Conversely, episodes such as Germany’s hyperinflation in the 1920s, Argentina’s recurring crises, Zimbabwe’s economic collapse, and the US “Great Inflation” in the 1960s and 1970s highlight the risk of political influence over central banks.
In Sri Lanka, even within a fragile framework, in the absence of a modern Central Bank Act, decisive monetary tightening, exchange rate adjustment, and coordinated stabilisation measures succeeded in reducing inflation from nearly 70 percent to single digits and averting systemic banking collapse in recent times. This highlights both the high cost of delayed institutional reform and the enduring power of firm, professionally guided policy action.
While the independence of the central bank is of utmost importance, it must be matched by accountability. Like many countries, the Bangladesh Bank must explain its decisions transparently, report to parliament, communicate openly with the public, and justify policy actions. Independence and accountability must go hand in hand. Without transparency and democratic scrutiny, independence would lack legitimacy. Without independence, accountability would be meaningless because decisions would be politically driven. In the end, safeguarding BB’s independence is essential to securing sustainable growth and shared prosperity in the country.
Dr Fahmida Khatun is an economist and executive director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
Views expressed in this article are the author's own.
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The European Commission has presented initiatives to boost investment in homegrown clean energy solutions, increase resilience, and reduce energy prices.The current geopolitical context highlights the risks related to Europe's reliance on imported fossil fuels. Citizens and industries are rightly concerned about high energy prices. Investing in clean energy is the most affordable and reliable mid-term solution.Cheaper energy for EU citizensThe citizens' ...
The European Commission has presented initiatives to boost investment in homegrown clean energy solutions, increase resilience, and reduce energy prices.
The current geopolitical context highlights the risks related to Europe's reliance on imported fossil fuels. Citizens and industries are rightly concerned about high energy prices. Investing in clean energy is the most affordable and reliable mid-term solution.
Cheaper energy for EU citizens
The citizens' energy package puts people at the centre and supports the most vulnerable. It will
Consumers will also benefit from
Making the most of Europe’s energy sources
Europe also needs a change in its energy system and infrastructure. The clean energy investment strategy will help
The Commission will deliver this strategy with the European Investment Bank Group, which intends to deliver more than €75 billion of financing over the next 3 years to support clean energy transition.
Homegrown, clean energy technologies for reliable and affordable energy
Strengthening European capacity and building robust supply chains for net-zero technologies is essential to reducing import dependencies and ensuring strategic autonomy. The strategy for small modular reactors (SMRs) will help EU countries deploy the first operational SMRs in the early 2030s. It will also support industry in accelerating their development and deployment. The Commission will consider an additional €200 million InvestEU top-up to support the deployment of initial commercial units of innovative nuclear technologies through de-risking guarantees.
A flexible European supply chain is key to
The proposed measures build on the affordable energy action plan. They aim to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, reduce energy dependencies and lower energy costs for households. The Commission will continue presenting additional measures to further enhance Europe’s energy security and affordability.
For more information
Growing older doesn’t mean giving up everyday activities and the things you love. Lifestyle choices you make today can help you enjoy a fulfilling and independent life for longer.Most of us will start to notice that we can’t do all the things we used to by the time we turn 65. However, research shows that if you work at maintaining ability as you age, it can help support your health and wellbeing.Scientists have researched and tracked how we decline with age. Research suggests the largest influence in age-related de...
Growing older doesn’t mean giving up everyday activities and the things you love. Lifestyle choices you make today can help you enjoy a fulfilling and independent life for longer.
Most of us will start to notice that we can’t do all the things we used to by the time we turn 65. However, research shows that if you work at maintaining ability as you age, it can help support your health and wellbeing.
Scientists have researched and tracked how we decline with age. Research suggests the largest influence in age-related decline is not genetics, but lifestyle choices. Older people who continue doing things for themselves tend to remain independent longer and live better.
The LifeCurve highlights 15 activities of daily living that can become harder to do as our bodies grow older.
Everyone's life curve is different depending on the choices they make. Staying on the optimum life curve is your best chance of living independently for longer without the need for long-term care.
LifeCurve was developed by ADL Research and Newcastle University's Institute for Ageing (UK), one of the global leaders in ageing research.
You may experience some health and mobility challenges as you age. But there are things you can do to keep these challenges at bay, where possible.
Keeping mobile, staying connected, and making changes around your home are all ways to support your health and wellbeing.
LifeCurve is available as an app-based toolkit developed to help keep you happier and healthier for longer.
The tool helps you by:
You can create a free online account to track your progress.
LiveUp is a national platform that can empower you to make simple changes that help you age healthily and stay independent for longer.
To find out how it can help you, visit the LiveUp website and take the free, confidential quiz for personalised suggestions. It only takes five minutes to complete.
Answer a few quick questions and you will receive activities, products, and tips tailored to you. There are practical suggestions for movement, social, and mental wellbeing activities that are happening in your area or online. You don’t have to provide any personal information to make the most of the tailored information.
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