CAREGIVERS' CONTRIBUTIONS EASED BY VETERANS' AID AND ATTENDANCE
AARP's Public Policy Institute has published an updated report called "Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update - The Growing Contributions and Costs of Family Caregiving." The report recognizes the critical support of family to ill loved ones, but details the substantial personal costs to caregivers. It says that costs to U.S. health care and long-term services would increase astronomically if family caregivers were no longer available.
The report cites: "In 2009, about 42.1 million family caregivers in the U.S. provided care to an adult with limitations in daily activities at any given point in time, and about 61.6 million provided care at some time during the year. The estimated economic value of their unpaid contributions was approximately $450 billion in 2009, up from an estimated $375 billion in 2007."
GOOD NEWS FOR VETERANS
The good news for veterans and their caregivers is that government pensions, and specifically a program called Veterans Aid and Attendance, can help. It provides financial assistance when veterans or their spouses need some help with daily living tasks. In addition to veterans basic pension, the Aid and Attendance provides an enhanced special benefit.
The Elder & Disability Law Firm serving the Redlands, CA area specializes in helping veterans and their families through Estate Planning and Elder Law.