Notes of Interest

LITTLE-KNOWN MILITARY BENEFIT COULD HELP PAY FOR LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE
Submitted by Heather Keegan

The Department of Veterans Affairs' so-called aid-and-attendance benefit could help millions of wartime veterans and their families pay for long-term health care. The program pays a maximum of $1,949 per month to married veterans who qualify and smaller payments to single veterans and surviving spouses. To qualify, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active military service, including at least one day during a war, and not have been discharged dishonorably. They must also meet certain thresholds for medical and financial need. Tom Pamperin, an associate deputy undersecretary in the VA's Veterans Benefits Administration, said the benefit has been underused because it does not occur to older veterans with limited VA contact that there are benefits payable to them.

Sources: The Wall Street Journal

Hospice - click here to view / download a pdf version
Submitted by Heather Keegan

It seems that I have been receiving quite a few “last flights”, and it made me wonder how many people were aware of the hospice benefit.  I am a retired 146^th member who worked at the Van Nuys and Channel Islands bases.  Most of you knew me as Heather Hofford, but I am now Heather Keegan and have a new civilian career as a Registered Nurse.  I have worked with Hospice for the last four years, and it has been one of the most rewarding careers I have ever had.  What an honor to work with patients and loved ones during the most difficult times of their life.  It is also an honor as a Veteran to recognize our patients for their military service with a pin and certificate.

Many people are confused about what hospice means, or are afraid to ask.  Hospice is a concept of care, not a place.  It is a team approach to caregiving, involving social workers, nurses, chaplains, home health aides, and doctors that administer care in a home, long term care, assisted living or hospital setting.  To qualify for hospice an individual must be referred by their physician with a life limiting illness, and “IF” this illness progresses along its natural course a person would have less than six months to live.  Well, I am here to tell you that I have had patients that last much longer than six months – no one can put a time line on your life.  Some people with good hospice care even graduate from hospice because we can not certify them with a life limiting illness anymore.  Hospice is not just for cancer patients, we treat lung disease, cardiac disease, neuromuscular disorders, dementia, and many more.  Hospice is available 24/7.

Hospice also has inpatient facilities either in a hospital or private setting where patients can be admitted for symptom management, end of life care, or respite for caregivers that need a break.

Medicare and private insurance include a hospice benefit.  Most hospice organizations are not for profit, and through generous donations will accept anyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Hospice offers free bereavement services even if your loved one was not in hospice. 

If you or someone you know has a life limiting condition, contact hospice as soon as possible, so they can provide the services that your loved ones deserve.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at hoff6405@hotmail.com.

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