How the Aid and Attendance benefit helps veterans in Nebraska

Receiving aid with daily tasks can make a significant improvement in the quality of life for Nebraska seniors. For those who served the country bravely, the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pension program is available to help make this level of improvement a little more attainable. Eligible Nebraska vets and their surviving spouses can qualify should they need aid in various activities for daily living (also known as ADLs). These tasks could include rudimentary functions like dressing, bathing, eating, transportation for errands and appointments, and medication management, although it should be noted that eligible applicants don’t need to require aid with everything in order to qualify. A&A recipients can also utilize these funds to help pay for costs associated with home care, skilled nursing home care, or assisted living.

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What is assisted living like?

There is some variance in assisted living facilities. The facilities that are located in larger cities like Omaha will be ideal for those that still want to be close to metropolitan perks such as restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. On the flip side, those who prefer the quiet nature of suburbia may gravitate toward an assisted living community in a bedroom community, where parks and familiar chain retailers rule the day.

The facilities also have variances based on interests. Some places are run by religious organizations and feature various activities and observances that are in line with the particular faith’s belief system. There are also homes that are wholly dedicated to serving veterans, which may be of interest to vets that want to spend their days enjoying the inimitable spark of camaraderie amongst those that have proudly served their country.

Each assisted living facility is home to various services that are contained within the monthly room and board fee. Basic services typically include key elements for proper senior care-fueled living, such as private living spaces, 24-hour security and nurse access, call buttons in the rooms in case of a sudden emergency, meals, housekeeping, utilities, and laundry. These essential services can be augmented for an extra fee. Extra services that could be added include salon care, massage therapy, and personalized laundry and transportation service. Because these latter services vary from venue to venue, it is always a wise idea to research to see what is included and what is constituted as an add-on perk at every assisted living facility considered. It is also prudent to ask if the facility also offers continuum of care, in which a resident can stay on the campus should their assisted living needs change over time.

What does assisted living cost in Nebraska?

According to data culled from Genworth’s 2016 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Arizona is $42,120 per year, which is just below the average nationwide cost of $43,539. This price tag translates to a monthly cost of $3,510 and a daily cost of $115. Precise costs will vary based on the city and the region that the facility is located in. The state’s annual home health care costs check in at $52,624 for homemaker services and $53,768 for home health aide services. It also represents a substantial savings in comparison to Arizona’s nursing home care costs, which can break down to an annual cost of $67,525 for a semi-private room and $76,833 for a private room.

Veterans and their spouses that do qualify for the A&A Pension Benefit can utilize the benefits they receive to help cover the assisted living costs. The benefit can provide upwards of $1,794 per month to a vet, $1,153 per month to a surviving spouse, or $2,127 per month to a couple. A veteran that files with a sick spouse can be eligible for as much as $1,410 per month.

Resources and recreation for veterans in Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Fish and Game offers combination hunting and fishing permits for a fee of $5 per annum to any veteran 64 years of age or older. Those that receive a pension from the VA do not have to pay a fee. Many state parks offer a variety of trails that are accessible to people of varying disability levels. Some trails are paved and offer even those in wheelchairs a change to get out and see the natural beauty of Nebraska.

Veterans of Foreign Wars offices throughout the state organize a variety of activities and social events and provide support and help to veterans experiencing hardship. Many conduct charity fundraisers to aid veterans and others in the community. The VA Adaptive Sports Program helps veterans participate in sports and interact with others. A sports center is located in Omaha. This center is dedicated to meeting the fitness and sports needs of those that served.

Golf courses abound in Omaha. In fact, Omaha boasts 16 public and semi-public golf courses to enjoy. With a cart rental, it is easy to get around the holes and enjoy a beautiful day on the green.

Omaha is also home to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. This is a great place to visit when the grand kids are in town to visit, or if you just want to learn something new. With more than 7 acres to explore it will take more than one trip to take it all in.