Celebrating Independence: Aid and Attendance Benefit

As the 4th of July approaches, we pause to celebrate our freedom and deeply thank the men and women that have served and continue to serve in order to maintain that freedom. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking a pivotal moment for the United States of America. John Adams wrote about this great day to his wife Abigail Adams,

“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”

Yet, this celebration was not without an understanding of what it takes to maintain independence, Adams’ continues, “You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.”

When I speak with seniors about their desire to remain home, I hear words like “independence”, “dignity”, “respect”, “comfort”, and “security”. That is why Preferred Care at Home owners across the nation are dedicated to helping seniors remain independent in the comfort and security of the homes they love. How much more is this true for seniors who have dedicated their lives to fighting for independence so that citizens of the United States of America could feel safe and secure in our borders?

We are well aware of the “toil and blood and treasure” it has cost our service men and women both past and present. That is why we want to raise awareness of benefits available to our senior veterans. The Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit is an underutilized benefit available to veterans and their spouses for in-home senior care. This benefit allows senior veterans to live out their days in the security of their homes with the dignity and independence they dedicated their lives to ensure.

For 2013, the maximum yearly benefits for Aid and Attendance are as follows:

• Surviving spouse of a veteran: $13,362
• Veteran with no spouse or dependent children: $20,795
• Veteran with one dependent: $24,652

Do you know a veteran who could use in-home senior care? You can promote independence by sharing information about this benefit. We’ve created an entire newsletter dedicated to information about the Aid and Attendance benefit to help our veterans receive the benefits that they deserve. For more information about this benefit, contact a Preferred Care at Home location near you and download the Aid and Attendance newsletter.