Spreading Awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & How We Can Best Support Our Veterans
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident or sexual assault. While anyone can suffer from PTSD, PTSD is most common among the population of veterans and military personnel. Considering that military service members are exposed to a number of potentially traumatic events on a regular basis, this exposure can increase their chances of developing PTSD and/or can contribute to other mental health problems.
Individuals with PTSD can experience a variety of heightened emotions such as anger, depression and grief as well as they can struggle with chronic pain, sleeping issues, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and brain injuries. Such side effects of PTSD can severely impact and individual’s ability to live safely and independently on their own and can wreak havoc on their mental state. Just as is the case with those suffering cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease, having reliable support at home is crucial when it comes to assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) so that one can live independently at home and improving the person’s overall quality of life.
Aid & Attendance government benefits exist for eligible veterans and their spouses to help subsidize costs for home care. Congress defines the wartime dates as the following
- World War II (12/7/41-12/31/46)
- Korean Conflict (6/27/50-1/31/55)
- Vietnam Era (2/28/61-5/7/75 or 8/5/64-5/7/75)
- Gulf War (8/2/90 -)
In addition to active duty and wartime service requirement, eligible veterans must also meet at least one of the following criteria to qualify for the Aid & Attendance pension:
- Be 65 years or older with no income or limited income
- They must have a permanent and total disability
- Receive supplemental security income
- Receive social security disability insurance
- Reside in a nursing home
Further, the veteran or their surviving spouse must meet at least one of the following clinical criteria as well:
- Individual is bedridden, except for medical and therapy appointments and treatments
- Have severe visual impairment
- Reside in a nursing home because of physical or mental incapacity, including Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Require help with some ADLs such as, but not limited to, bathing, dressing, eating, toileting etc.
ABC Home Healthcare Professionals want to make sure everyone who needs home care is able to afford it. This is why we work with many qualified individuals who can help walk prospective clients through their options from start to finish. For more information, call the office at 781-245-1880 and let’s get your home care journey started today!
For more information on Aid & Attendance government benefit contact your local Massachusetts Veteran Service Officers.