According to the Veterans Administration, nearly 100,000 veterans are eligible to receive this rarely used pension benefit. Benefit amounts are determined by the VA and are based on need. Qualifying wartime veterans can receive up to $1,644 per month, a surviving spouse of a wartime veteran $1,056 per month, and a married couple could receive up to $1,949 per month.

How do I know if I am eligible?

Eligibility is based on three simple criteria: veteran status, health status, and financial status. To meet the veteran status for a veteran or a surviving spouse, the veteran  must have served 90 consecutive days of active duty and one day during a declared war, and received any type of discharge other than dishonorable. The health status requires a doctor to indicate the need for aid and attendance, and financial qualifications are determined by the Veterans Administration. Note that the Veterans Administration does not provide official guidelines on how to qualify medically or financially, and each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so Senior Living Options of the Desert recommends meeting with a local veterans advocate. Or you can let Senior Living Options of the Desert help – we have developed an extensive network of veteran service providers to help with the qualifications and application process for seniors moving into an Assisted Living Community.

What are the basic requirements for a Veteran?

The basic qualifications are as follows:

1. Served “Active Duty”
2. Served 90 consecutive days of active duty
3. Served 1 of the 90 days in a “War-Time” era
4. Not dishonorably discharged
5. 65 or older or prove disability
6. Demonstrated need
7. Limited income
8. Limited liquid assets, typically $80,000 or less.

What are the basic for the surviving spouse of a veteran?

The basic qualifications are as follows:

1. Married to the wartime Veteran
2. Married to the wartime Veteran at his/her death
3. Married to the wartime Veteran for 1 year or more
4. Did not remarry if veteran passed away
5. Veteran served 90 consecutive days of active duty
6. Veteran served 1 of the 90 days in a “War-Time” era
7. Veterans was not dishonorably discharged
8. Surviving spouse demonstrated need
9. Limited income
10. Limited liquid assets, typically $80,000 or less.

What are the recognized time periods that qualify as a “Wartime Era” by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

World War II: December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946

Korean War: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955

Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975

(February 28, 1961, for veterans who served “in country” before August 5, 1964)

Gulf War: August 2, 1990 through TBD

Contact Senior Living Options of the Desert at 1-888-700-4322. We have an extensive network of veteran advocates who can help you navigate the
application process at no charge to you.

How long does it take?

Cases vary, but once paperwork is submitted successfully, the process can take anywhere from four to nine months.

How much assistance can I receive?

For 2011 the maximum monthly benefit amounts are as follows:

Veteran: $1,644 per month

Veteran & Spouse: $1,949 per month

Surviving Spouse: $1,056 per month

Benefit amounts are determined by the VA and are based on need. The amounts listed above are the maximum that can be obtained, but individual awards will
vary depending on demonstrated need.

The Aid & Attendance benefits are retroactive from the date of the month paperwork is submitted and received by the VA.

“The Mission of Senior Living Options of the Desert, Inc. is to provide families with the best residential care options based on care needs and location, no matter
what the budget. It is our goal to seek out and provide resources for every senior that needs our assistance and guidance. In doing so, we will help create a safe,
dignified and healthy environment in which your family member may thrive.”

Senior Living Options of the Desert is here to help. If you have a question or concern call us at 1-888-700-4322 to speak with a Family Advisor.

Source: Senior Living Options of the Desert Inc. - Palm Desert Assisted Living Referral Service

In general, there will be three different types of Alzheimer’s care facilities to choose from. Two of these options are assisted living facilities and skilled nursing care facilities that have allocated Memory Care programs. The housing, programs, and services provided in these facilities are specifically designed around the needs of those who have Alzheimer’s disease. The third option is a facility that is dedicated solely to the care of those who suffer from all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. These are freestanding communities.

When you are choosing an Alzheimer’s care facility for your loved one, there are two specific aspects of a facility that you should focus upon. The first of these aspects is the safety and supervision of residents, and the second of them is the structured routine that is provided for residents by the facility. Decreased judgment, disorientation, and tendencies to wander off are all common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and this is why ensuring the safety and monitoring of patients is critical.

In a similar fashion, the Alzheimer’s care facility that one chooses should provide a structured routine for their residents. A firmly structured routine tends to decrease agitation in dementia patients, and visual cues within a facility regarding a routine can be comforting. The structured routine can often be used to alleviate some of the more problematic systems associated with dementia patients.

How Is Alzheimer’s Care Paid For?

The cost of a loved one’s Alzheimer’s care is going to depend upon the facility and the level of provided care that one selects. In most instances, the cost of Alzheimer’s care is going to paid for through private funding; however, there are some long term health care policies that provide some funding towards the cost of this care. Of course, some veterans, or their widows, may be eligible for pensions that will further alleviate the cost of this care. MediCal waivers may also be obtained in certain situations.

How Are Alzheimer’s Care Facilities Regulated?

In general, most Alzheimer’s care facilities are regulated and monitored on a state level. Within the state of California, the name of the agency responsible for licensing and regulation is the Community Care Licensing Department, a department within the California Department of Social Services. On the other hand, skilled nursing facilities are regulated on both a state and Federal level, and these facilities must be licensed by both Medicare and MediCal. Moreover, there are certain licensing standards that the administration and staff of a facility must meet.

Where Can I Find Alzheimer’s Care?

To obtain information about Alzheimer’s care facilities, please contact one of our family advisors at 1-888-700-4322.

Source: Senior Living Options of the Desert Inc. - Palm Desert Assisted Living Referral Service

In order to preserve yourself, it is sometimes necessary to receive care for the caregiver. As the stress of caring for an ailing parent mounts, frustration and despair can become very real and valid feelings. You can face burnout in your care of the elderly. Senior Living Options of the Desert will provide counseling for you and your parent so that you will both be equipped with the confidence that you have chosen a facility that offers the appropriate level of assistance for your parent and to deal with the emotions that accompany making such a decision.

If you do not acquire the level of assistance that you and your parent need, it can take a heavy toll upon your personal life and well-being. There are many stressors involved in care of the elderly, including changes in the family dynamics, financial pressure, and household disruption. These scenarios are quite real, and Senior Living Options of the Desert want you to know that it is ok to experience the emotions you are feeling right now. In fact, it is healthy for you to acknowledge them.

So how do you know when it is time to find care for the caregiver? First and foremost, you need to know your limitations. There is only a realistic amount of time and yourself that you can devote to your parent. When you have reached your limitations, communicate this to your parent’s doctors, family members, and other individuals who are involved in your loved one’s life. Then, you need to contact us. It is our pledge to you that we will accompany you through the process from start to finish.

A part of receiving care for the caregiver is to accept your feelings. As aforementioned, surrendering care of the senior in your life can trigger a number of emotions. While you would never allow these emotions to affect the quality of the care your loved one receives, it is important to recognize when you have reached your limits and to ask for help. We will assist you learning about your various options, explaining the differences between them, and to assist you in making the right decision.

Senior Living Options of the Desert has personally inspected and approved each community we recommend, and we perform annual state licensing record reviews of each facility. It is also our mission to find the best facilities for care of the elderly for every budget. Most importantly, our referral services are absolutely free. When it is time for you to obtain care for the caregiver, contact us, and we will be here for you.

Source: Senior Living Options of the Desert Inc. - Palm Desert Assisted Living Referral Service

When an individual chooses to engage the services of a California senior moving company, the movers will typically draw up a floor plan of the senior citizen’s new setting, so he or she can visualize what furniture can be moved into the residence and how it will look. Because older adults will have accumulated generations of belongings, and the movers that one engages will assist an elderly person in deciding what is trash and what is treasure. Most moving companies will arrange for consignment and donations for the remaining items.

Although the services offered by California senior moving companies vary from one company to the next, there are some standard features that each company will offer. This list of features includes developing a comprehensive moving plan, organizing, sorting, and downsizing, providing for the profitable disposal of unwanted items, arranging shipments and storage, and unpacking and setting up the new home. There are also some companies who will offer additional services, such as cleaning, waste removal, and shopping.

In 2010, there were more than 50,000 individuals who engaged the services of different California senior moving companies. Because the list of reputable and professional moving companies is extensive, it can be confusing to know which option one should choose. This is where the services of Senior Living Options of the Desert can assist an elderly individual and their family in the process of selecting the right moving company.

Source: Senior Living Options of the Desert Inc. - Palm Desert Assisted Living Referral Service

There are numerous benefits to be enjoyed for those who choose to become a resident of California senior apartments. For example, low interior and exterior maintenance costs ensure that a resident will spend no time maintaining their apartment. Secondly, the cost of these apartments is much more affordable than the cost of a home’s mortgage, maintenance, and taxes. These apartment complexes also feature strict security for the safety of their residents.

Senior citizens who chose to move into California senior apartments will enjoy a wide variety of amenities that provide camaraderie and an active social environment. The various available amenities will vary according to each different apartment complex, but the most common amenities include clubhouses, indoor and outdoor pools, onsite fitness centers, and planned activities for residents, including seasonal parties, book clubs, and scheduled field trips.
It should be noted that the majority of California senior apartments do not offer in-home health care or assistance with daily living activities.

If you feel that senior apartment living is appropriate for your situation, Senior Living Options of the Desert can provide a list of senior apartments in the Coachella Valley.

Source: Senior Living Options of the Desert Inc. - Palm Desert Assisted Living Referral Service

The various services offered by California retirement communities can vary widely. Some retirement communities will provide unlimited medical care and social services for one flat, monthly fee. However, other retirement communities will charge according to the “fee for service” method, which means that the prices one will pay will vary on the amount of medical care and social services and activities that a resident requires or wishes to have.

It should also be noted that there are some California retirement communities who require potential members to pass physical and mental checks. An applicant to a retirement community may be rejected for past medical issues, such as cancer or dementia. Furthermore, most retirement communities in the state of California only accept new residents on a “space available” continuum. These waiting lists can be quite lengthy, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Because the types of housing and the services provided by California retirement communities can vary widely, it can be quite confusing to know which one a person should choose for themselves or a loved one.

Senior Living Options of the Desert can help you decide if California Retirement Communities are right for you.

Source: Senior Living Options of the Desert Inc. - Palm Desert Assisted Living Referral Service

When it comes to choosing the right California respite care program, one will actually have three options to choose from. In home respite care, the first option, is the most popular. A temporary caregiver comes into the home of the primary caregiver and learns how the patient’s daily routine is performed, like the routine for the daily activities of life. Thus, the patient does not have to be troubled by transportation or unfamiliar environments.

The second option that one will have to choose from when it comes to choosing from amongst California respite care programs is respite care that is performed in a specialized facility. With this option, the patient is moved to a specialized nursing facility, where he or she may stay for a period of time ranging from a few days to a few weeks. The benefits of opting for this choice include the fact that the skilled nursing facility will have better access to emergency services and professional assistance, should the need arise.

The final option that one will have when it comes to choosing the right California respite care program is emergency respite care. As the name indicates, this type of respite care is used only on an emergency basis, and in the event that the need to use it should arise, the primary caregiver of an aging patient will have already chosen a provider or facility to contact. Most emergency respite care services are provided by homecare agencies, adult day cares, and residential care facilities.

There are numerous options to choose from when it comes to California respite care; however, a recent study from the Oklahoma Respite Resource Network found that 98% of those who engaged the services of a respite care program felt that it made them an overall care provider. Because there are so many options to choose from, the process of choosing a single program may seem overwhelming; however, as , always. Senior Living Options of the Desert is here to assist you through every step of the journey.

Source: Senior Living Options of the Desert Inc. - Palm Desert Assisted Living Referral Service