St. Elizabeth Community caregiver showing a veteran and spouse information about VA benefits, including the Aid and Attendance allowance, for assisted living and home care.

VA Benefits for Senior Care: How to Access Aid and Support

At St. Elizabeth Community, we are honored to serve veterans and their spouses by providing a full continuum of compassionate, high-quality care. Many of our residents and patients are eligible for financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help cover the costs of services like Assisted Living, Home Care, Adult Day Centers, and Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care.

If you or your loved one served in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible for significant monthly benefits to help pay for the care you need.

The Veterans Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A)

The most common VA benefit used to help pay for community-based senior care, such as Assisted Living or in-home care, is the Veterans Pension with the Aid and Attendance (A&A) allowance.

This benefit is available to qualifying wartime Veterans and their surviving spouses who require the "aid and attendance" of another person to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) or who are largely confined to their home.

How the Benefit Can Be Used at St. Elizabeth Community

If you qualify for A&A, the funds are paid directly to the Veteran or surviving spouse and can be used to cover the costs of care and services, including:

  • Assisted Living: To help pay for personal care services provided at a St. Elizabeth Assisted Living residence.

  • Home Care Services: To pay for in-home care services, like Private Duty Nursing, personal care, and therapy, provided by St. Elizabeth Home Care.

  • Adult Day Centers: To help cover the cost of daily supervision, socialization, and activities at our Adult Day Centers.

  • Nursing Home Care: To help offset the costs of Long-Term Skilled Nursing Care.

VA Long-Term Care and Extended Services

In addition to the monthly pension allowance, the VA also offers a comprehensive array of medical and support services to eligible Veterans enrolled in VA health care. These services often cover more extensive care needs:

  • Home-Based Primary Care: Medical care provided in the Veteran's home.

  • Skilled Home Health Care: Services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy are provided at home.

  • Nursing Home Care: Coverage for Skilled Nursing Care at VA facilities or VA-contracted community nursing homes.

  • Hospice Care: Specialized care for end-of-life needs.

Official Resources and Links for Veterans

Navigating VA benefits can be complex. We encourage you to use the official government websites below to learn about eligibility requirements, current rates, and the application process.

Resource Description Official VA Link
Aid and Attendance & Housebound Information on the supplemental pension benefit used to pay for non-medical senior care. Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance
VA Long-Term Care Services Details on the extensive range of long-term and extended care services offered through VA health care. VA Long Term Care Services
Elderly Veteran Benefits A central hub for all benefits available to elderly Veterans and their families. Elderly Veterans - Veterans Benefits Administration
General VA Forms Use this page to find and download forms, including VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Aid and Attendance), which your doctor must complete. VA Find Forms

Need Help Applying?

While St. Elizabeth Community does not provide direct assistance with the application process, we encourage you to:

  1. Contact a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). These representatives are accredited by the VA and can assist you with your claim at no cost. You can find one through your state's Department of Veterans Affairs.

  2. Contact the VA directly: Call the VA main information line at 1-800-827-1000 for general questions or to inquire about your eligibility.

    Contact St. Elizabeth Today

    We understand the financial aspects of senior care can be overwhelming. Let our Admissions and Resource Team help you explore how your VA benefits align with the services offered across our continuum of care, from Assisted Living to Skilled Nursing.

    Visit our dedicated contact page to reach the appropriate care coordinator and start the conversation about your or your loved one's needs:

    Ready to take the next step in utilizing your earned VA benefits for high-quality care?

    Contact St. Elizabeth Community

    We're here to honor your service by providing exceptional care.