Declining cognitive health and problems getting around are not uncommon among the aging population. Veteran seniors are not only vulnerable to the latter problems, but they also often have unique challenges stemming from their time in war.
Because of the latter, it’s important to consider your loved one’s veteran status when choosing the right senior living placement.
Veteran-Specific Care Needs
Compared to the general aging population, elderly veterans are more likely to have chronic health conditions, need mental health support, and require cognitive care. Injuries from their service may also lead to mobility challenges and pain and necessitate regular nurse care or rehabilitation services.
Due to their specific care needs, many aging veterans may need a long-term or permanent senior living arrangement, rather than an independent or temporary living situation. With a higher risk of both physical, mental, and cognitive conditions, veterans may also need regular around-the-clock care and medication management.
While the needs of veterans vary drastically, those who have served in the war are more vulnerable than the general population due to the emotional, mental, and physical trauma they likely have faced.
Specialized Senior Care Options
Both veteran and non-veteran seniors have a wide range of specialized senior care options at hand.
Seniors with fewer needs with a greater level of independence and function might choose in-home care or independent living.
Those dealing with cognitive setbacks such as dementia or Alzheimer’s can find enrichment in a memory care facility. For more major physical health assistance, a nursing home can be a more applicable option. There are even short-term care options, like respite care.
Common Challenges Veterans Come Across When Finding Care
Not only do senior veterans tend to have more care-related challenges, but finding the right care can also be harder for them.
Veterans may have difficulty navigating their VA benefits or may not even know what benefits are available to them regarding housing. Additionally, they tend to have fewer VA-approved facility options to pick from and may not even be fully covered under the VA for their senior living expenses, which can create a financial barrier.
Even after the latter trouble, veteran seniors may struggle to get into a VA-approved facility. Long waits, especially during a crisis, can leave them without the right care when they need it the most.
These challenges faced by veterans make us proud to offer senior care solutions. With years of experience working with both veteran and non-veteran seniors, we’re skilled when it comes to assessing care needs, matching facilities based on lifestyle needs and preferences, and navigating costs and budgets.
We Can Help Your Family Make the Right Decision
Helping an aging family member transition to senior living care can be an emotional time. Part of you is excited to help them embark on their new journey. Another part of you worries about the possibility of their new living arrangement not being the right option after all.
When the decision of selecting a senior living facility is complex, especially when it involves a veteran senior, CarePatrol is here to help. Our mission is to help you match with the right facilities to adequately meet the unique needs of your loved one.
At CarePatrol, we keep veterans’ unique challenges, individual needs, and personal preferences in mind when helping them find a suitable care option. Contact us today to get started with a stress-free senior living placement.
