Honoring Our Aging Veterans

Happy Veteran’s Day to all of those that sacrificed it all for our freedom! We are especially grateful to the veterans in our Azura family, and are celebrating across our homes today with special ceremonies, food and drink, and recognition of our brave men and women.

Veteran’s Day is the opportunity to honor those who have served for our country. We are grateful to serve and support our veterans with dignity for the many sacrifices they have made in their lifetime.  They are truly our heroes. On this special day, we honor our military—both young and old—for their brave service.

It is our honor to care for the veterans in our communities and hopefully, make a difference in the lives of your loved ones. Here are a few ways you can honor a veteran today!

1. Show up

Many different communities hold some kind of event to honor those that have served – whether it be a parade, a school event or even a picnic. Whatever it be, show up. Roy Rogers said, “We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” Veterans Day is a great opportunity to do just that.

2. Ask them about their service

 It seems like we all know someone who has served and Veteran’s Day is a great time to ask them about their service. Some questions to get started are: What did you do in the military? How long did you serve? What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service? Did anyone else in your family serve? Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did? Do not ask if they’ve killed anyone and should your veteran be a combat vet who is either unwilling to share or plainly states what they went through, be supportive without being intrusive. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything, just listen and give them your full attention.

3. Visit a VA hospital 

Find out what the policies are at your nearest VA hospital for interacting with patients or volunteering, and spend the day with a veteran. Many VA facilities will have events on Veterans Day or a special lunch you can help prepare. Even if you never interact with a veteran, helping at a facility is a way to give back.

4. Write a card

If you know a veteran, write a simple postcard or e-card that recognizes them on Veterans Day. If you don’t know a veteran, look up the closest military installation and send one there. Small acts of recognizing someone’s service, even anonymously, are appreciated.

5. Bring awareness to Veteran’s Benefits

“Veterans over the age of 65 now number more than 12.6 million.  These veterans have seen conflicts around the world, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and even the Persian Gulf War.  The Department of Veteran Affairs is committed to providing benefits and services to these aging veterans, including their changing healthcare needs.   But many are not getting the benefits they are eligible for because veterans and their families are unaware of the available programs and how to file for these benefits.”

“Did you know the VA Aid and Attendance program benefits may be available to you to help pay for assisted living and memory care expenses?  Under the VA Aid and Attendance Special Pension, also known as the A&A Pension, qualified veterans or their surviving spouses can receive tax-free monthly sums meant to help defray the costs of assisted living. To be eligible, you must be a veteran who has served at least 90 days in active duty with at least one day during wartime.  You must have been honorably discharged, and some income restrictions may apply.  For more information and to see if you are eligible, contact a Veterans Service Officer at a regional VA office or call 1.800.827.1000.”

With all the appreciation in the world, thank you to all of our Veterans this Veteran’s Day!

https://www.military.com/veterans-day/8-ways-to-express-appreciation-on-veterans-day.html