Veterans and Assisted Living: Finding the Right Fit

Are you one of the 8.1 million veterans in the United States aged 65 or over? If so, you might be interested to know that many high-quality assisted living communities, like the Mission at Agua Fria, work closely with veterans and their families to tailor their services and amenities to meet your unique needs and preferences. The right veterans assisted living community can help you maintain your independence and enhance your quality of life in ways you might not expect. 

How do you find the right assisted living community that understands what veterans need? The following guide provides information on choosing suitable veterans’ assisted living options and some available veteran-specific resources and financial assistance.

Evaluate Needs and Preferences

Before you begin researching assisted living options, you must have a good idea of what is most important to you and your loved one. 

• Are there particular services that would improve their quality of life? 
• Could they benefit from access to transportation to medical appointments and recreational outings? 
• Would they want housekeeping or dining services? How active are they? 
• Do they need physical therapy or exercise options that take into account injuries or wounds from their military service? 
• Are they seeking social opportunities, especially with other veterans, or prefer a quieter environment? 
• Could they use some assistance with activities of daily living, or do they need a higher level of care?  
• What is a reasonable budget?

Look into Veterans Assisted Living Options

Once you have a better idea of needs and preferences, you can narrow your search to specific areas of the country. Online research is a great first step. You can usually find reviews, pictures, videos, and sometimes even online groups that discuss the positives and negatives of different communities. 

Eventually, you can schedule in-person tours when you have a short list of candidates. This step is essential because you’ll be better able to gauge the overall environment and talk with staff face-to-face to help you make a more educated decision. 

The AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) has created a helpful checklist of questions to ask when researching assisted living options. Some of the questions can be asked of staff over the phone during an initial fact-finding call, but many others are more appropriate when touring the community in person.

Some specific questions that veterans and their families can ask include whether or not the community accepts Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits, whether any of the staff have experience working specifically with veterans, whether there are other veterans in the community, and whether the community has any veteran-specific resources or specialized services you should know about.

Types of Veterans Assisted Living Options

The VA offers two types of assisted living options: VA Community Living Centers (CLCs) and State Veterans Homes. CLCs provide skilled nursing, medical, and long-term care for veterans, including assisted living. Private, pet-friendly rooms and social activities are some benefits of this option. However, other options might be more appropriate for veterans who do not require skilled nursing care.

State Veterans Homes are located in all 50 states and provide long-term care options for veterans, including assisted living. In many cases, they are affordable for veterans and their spouses. These communities generally offer various types of therapy and social activities, but other services and amenities might be more limited than those of other assisted living communities. 

Although not operated through the VA, many assisted living communities are veteran-friendly and proudly work closely with veterans and their families to provide the outstanding support and care they deserve in their later years. Benefits of veteran-friendly assisted living communities include: 

• Personalized care plans that take into account medical history, such as service-related injuries or health conditions; life experiences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); dietary, exercise, and therapy recommendations that address the unique health needs of many veterans
• Social support and camaraderie with other seniors and veterans in a similar life stage with shared interests and passions
• Exercise and therapy programs tailored to work with all mobility and skill levels to increase strength and range of motion 
• Maintenance-free living through provided housekeeping, dining, and transportation services
• 24/7 access to necessary assistance with both activities of daily living and healthcare, like medication management

Veteran-friendly assisted living communities are an excellent choice for veterans looking for stress-free living with a strong social component and an emphasis on independence.

Veteran-Specific Financial Resources

Although paying for veterans’ assisted living can seem daunting when you first begin researching your options, several veteran-specific financial resources might help.

Healthcare Benefits Through the VA

As a government service, the VA covers the costs of several healthcare services for veterans who enroll in VA healthcare. Many assisted living communities also accept VA benefits to help pay for specific medical care they provide to veterans.

Veteran’s Benefits Planners

One resource that is often overlooked is a veteran’s benefits planner. Working with an experienced planner gives access to information about all of the VA benefits and their eligibility requirements. In many cases, they can also guide you through the application process for a smoother experience. If you’re interested in learning more about veteran benefits planners, the services they provide, and where to find one near you, check out this resource from the American Council on Aging.

Aid and Attendance Benefit

The Aid and Attendance Benefit is a monthly, tax-free benefit that some veterans and their spouses can use toward the costs of long-term care in assisted living. To be eligible, the veteran or their spouse must require assistance with daily living activities.

VA Disability Compensation

Certain health conditions like PTSD, hearing loss, back issues, loss of range of motion, and more are sometimes covered through monthly, tax-free payments known as VA disability compensation. Check with the VA or a veteran’s benefits planner. 

The Mission at Agua Fria is proud to offer veterans assisted living options in a beautiful, caring community with professional, well-trained, compassionate staff. Our outstanding services and amenities leave you free to live well with the support you need. Contact us today to discuss your options, ask questions, and schedule a tour to see what we’re all about. We would love the opportunity to serve you!