Help is available for veterans who have served our country and who now need assistance with caregiving — either as a caregiver or someone who needs care.
However, many veterans are not aware of the services available to them, a new AARP survey of veterans 45 and older reveals.
About half of those surveyed said they currently provide care for an adult loved one, relative or friend, or have done so in the past. But 60% did not know that the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers grants for home modification. The survey also found that nearly half (46%) need bathroom modifications in order to age in place themselves or to provide care for a loved one in their home.
That’s why AARP has two guides available for veterans and caregivers of veterans:
- A new Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide helps veterans navigate the VA’s $150 million program to help buy, build or modify a home to support long-term needs. Grants can help eligible veterans with up to $117,000 to pay for renovations, such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, installing ramps or widening doorways.
- The AARP Military Caregiving Guide provides basic tips to help families through the caregiving journey and has tips and details of other VA caregiving programs.
Tips for military caregivers:
- Talk about the medical and emotional needs of wounded warriors and caregivers of veterans.
- Create a support system of family, friends and colleagues. You can’t be a caregiver by yourself.
- Create a plan that enables you to respond to specific needs as they arise.
- Seek professional support for information and resources from those with experience with military or veteran caregivers.
- Care for yourself so you can sustain your energy and maintain your own health.
RESOURCES
Military Caregiving Guide:
aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/caregiving/pdf/family-caregiving-guide/military-veterans.pdf
Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide:
aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2024/military-home-benefit-guide.html
Military Financial Workbook:
aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/caregiving/pdf/2022/aarp-military-financial-workbook.pdf
AARP Information for Veterans:
aarp.org/veterans
AARP HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
1001 Bishop St., #625, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-545-6000 | hiaarp@aarp.org | aarp.org/hi
AARP is a non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.
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