The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a record increase to its compensation benefits for veterans. This will help more than 5 million veterans and survivors supported through VA benefits and the thousands of veterans receiving nursing home or other long-term care.
After facing recent inflation and the rising cost of living, these increases may help veterans and seniors have more financial flexibility and afford necessary long-term care options in nursing homes.
Effective January 2023, the 8.7% compensation increase is the highest in the last 30 years and matches the United States Social Security Administration’s cost of living adjustment. The increase will appear on a few VA and Social Security benefits beginning with January payments.
What VA Benefits Are Increasing?
There are several key benefits that will increase payment amounts this year.
Benefits receiving the 8.7% cost of living adjustment in 2023 include:
- Social Security and Supplemental Security Income: Supports senior veterans, whether disabled or retired
- VA Dependency Indemnity Compensation: Supports surviving spouses or family members of veterans who died in the line of duty or from a service-related illness or injury
- VA Disability Compensation: Provided to veterans who were injured or developed serious illnesses during service
- VA Special Benefit Allowances: Covers automobile or clothing expenses or Medal of Honor pensions
If you or a loved one receives one or more of these benefits, you will see the compensation adjustment in your January 2023 payments.
Can Veterans Receive Free Nursing Home Care?
Care at a nursing home or long-term care facility is expensive. According to U.S. News Health, the annual cost of a private room at a nursing home is more than $100,000. Unfortunately, some veterans may not receive free nursing home care.
However, many veterans may receive financial assistance to access low-cost care through the support of VA benefits, social security, and other senior benefits like Medicaid and Medicare.
With the compensation increase for several of these benefits, veterans may have more options when choosing long-term care.
Keeping Veterans in Nursing Homes Healthy and Financially Empowered
Veterans make up a significant population in nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the nation. In fact, from 2014 to 2018, the number of veterans in need of nursing homes increased by 14%. Researchers project that this demand will continue to grow significantly in the coming years.
Unfortunately, many veterans may also be at an increased risk of experiencing nursing home abuse.
Veteran nursing home abuse may include:
- Emotional abuse
- Financial abuse
- Neglect
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
It is important to be mindful of the warning signs of abuse to keep veterans safe and healthy. Some warning signs of abuse include isolation, visible bruises, broken belongings, missing belongings such as credit cards or cash, and feelings of confusion and/or fear.
The best ways to prevent abuse from happening are to ensure veterans have a community and support system and report any signs of abuse as soon as they are evident. This can keep veterans healthy and financially empowered to receive the long-term care they need.
After serving and protecting our country, veterans deserve the utmost respect and dignity. If you or a loved one may have experienced unacceptable treatment at a nursing home, our team at the Nursing Home Abuse Center is here for you. Contact us at (855) 264-6310 today.
