Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Alzheimers.net
Menu

Veterans Benefits for Alzheimer's and Dementia

Alissa Sauer
By Alissa SauerNovember 9, 2018

It’s no secret that the Alzheimer’s epidemic is growing with 1 in 9 Americans over the age of 65 now living with the disease in the United States. As a U.S. veteran, you may be entitled to unique veterans benefits that can help you carry the financial burden an Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis can bring.

Learn more about veterans benefits for the disease and how to determine if you qualify for them.

Veterans May Be at a Higher Risk for Alzheimer’s

Statistics show that one of three seniors die from Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia. The numbers alone are staggering. Even more startling, a recent Los Angeles Times article cites a study stating that the traumatic brain injuries (TBI) endured by many veterans increase their risk of Alzheimer’s, making them 60% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or a late form of dementia.

Other studies have concluded that veterans who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are twice as likely to develop dementia than those without PTSD.

With increased risk factors, it is vital that veterans and their families learn how to determine their eligibility and claim the benefits they have been promised.

Ways to Claim Well-Earned Veterans Benefits

Nearly 69% of veterans are unaware of the benefits available to them, meaning that veterans are paying more for senior care services than they should. Additionally, more than 1/3 of Americans over the age of 65 are wartime veterans or the spouses of wartime veterans, qualifying them for the special veterans benefits program from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) called, “The Aid & Attendance Pension.”

The Aid & Attendance benefit can reduce the cost of care for veterans and surviving spouses who require assisted living care and services.

The Aid & Attendance veterans benefit can provide:

  • $2,170 per month to a couple
  • $1,831 per month to a veteran

The awarded funds can be used for assisted living care, board and care, in-home care and private-pay nursing homes.

To help determine your eligibility, our partner, A Place for Mom, has put together a “Guide to VA Benefits & Long-Term Care” to help you or a senior loved one determine if your family qualifies for this program.

We know that paying for Alzheimer’s and dementia care can feel intimidating. Searching for veterans benefits like the Aid & Attendance Pension is a great place to start sorting through financial aid options for long-term care.

If you, a parent or a senior loved one is a U.S. veteran or the spouse of a veteran, visit A Place for Mom’s “Guide to VA Benefits” today and potentially save yourself thousands of dollars.

Do you or a senior loved one have veterans benefits waiting to be claimed? We’d like to hear your story in the comments below.

Related Articles:

Alissa Sauer
Author

Alissa Sauer

Alzheimer’s Newsletter

Get the latest tips, news, and advice on Alzheimer’s prevention, treatment, stages and resources.

Contact UsatA Place for Mom

6330 Sprint Parkway, Suite 450

Overland Park, KS 66211

(866) 567-4049
Copyright © 2022 A Place for Mom, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Alzheimers.net complies with the Can-Spam Act of 2003.