On Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Join our Civitas Senior Living communities in East Texas as we celebrate their stories and reflect on the freedoms we have today because of their bravery.
We are grateful for their service and proud to have them as a part of our community.
Who Are Our Veterans?
According to the most recent U.S. Census data, there are over 19 million veterans in America. Here in East Texas, we are home to many veterans from different armed forces branches.
Texas is home to over 1.4 million veterans. Veterans Day is an opportunity to come together and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served.
Veterans, Senior Living, and Exclusive Savings
Over 25 percent of US citizens over 65 are veterans. Nearly 44 percent of US citizens over 75 are veterans.
Many of our nation’s heroes are reaching the age where they may need some extra help. Luckily, there are programs to ensure these men and women can get the care they need. Take a look at some of the exclusive savings available to veterans and their spouses to save on senior living.
One often overlooked benefit is the Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Attendance pension. This pension provides tax-free income to help cover the cost of long-term care, including assisted living.
To be eligible for the Aid and Attendance pension, veterans must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during wartime. Veterans discharged due to a service-related injury are also eligible.
In addition to the Aid and Attendance pension, veterans may be eligible for the Veterans Health Administration’s Veterans Directed Care program. This program provides funding to help cover the cost of services such as home health aides, nursing care, and transportation.
Veterans must be enrolled in the VA health care system and be able to self-direct their own care to be eligible for Veterans Directed Care.
Long-term care insurance policies can help cover the costs of assisted living. These policies often have special provisions for veterans as well.
Senior Living Savings for Veterans’ Spouses
Veterans aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of exclusive savings on senior living. In most states, veterans’ spouses are also eligible for Medicaid benefits to help cover the cost of medical care and long-term care.
In addition, many assisted living communities offer discounts to veterans and their spouses. These discounts can range from a percentage off monthly rent to waived community fees. Be sure to ask about discounts available to veterans and their families when visiting potential senior living communities.
How Do Veterans Impact Our Community?
Veterans enrich our lives every day with their stories and experiences. They remind us of the sacrifices made for our freedom and teach us the importance of patriotism and duty. In addition to their wisdom and knowledge, veterans also contribute to our economy.
According to the Small Business Administration, veterans are 45% more likely than non-veterans to become entrepreneurs. They start businesses at twice the rate of non-veterans and employ almost 6 million nationwide.
A large percentage of the senior population are veterans. Their presence enriches senior living communities.
How Can I Show My Support for Veterans?
There are many ways to show your support for veterans this Veterans Day—and all year long! You can start by simply taking the time to listen to their stories and get to know them better.
You can also volunteer your time or donate to organizations that support veteran causes such as housing, healthcare, or employment initiatives.
Here are some ideas:
- Write a letter or card to a veteran you know and tell them how much their service means to you and what it has contributed to your life. You can also send a card to a veteran you don’t know through organizations like Operation Gratitude.
- Donate to an organization that supports veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project or the East Texas Veterans Resource Center.
- Fly a flag at half-staff from sunrise until noon on November 11th to honor those who have lost their lives serving our country.
- Attend a virtual event at your local Veterans Affairs office or military base.
- Share photos and stories of veterans in your life on social media using #VeteransDay2022.
If you know a struggling veteran, reach out and offer your help. There are also many opportunities to support veterans by attending events in your community or contributing to fundraising campaigns.
Civitas Senior Living communities in East Texas will hold ceremonies honoring the veterans and spouses of our community. Residents and their families are invited to take a moment to admire their communities’ Wall of Honor.
Whatever you do, take a moment this Veterans Day (and every day!) to express your gratitude for the men and women who have served our country with honor and courage.
Long-Term Senior Care Near Me in East Texas
Civitas Senior Living is proud to be home to many veterans and their spouses. Our team would be honored to help you or your loved one transition into independent living, assisted living, or memory care.
Visit our locations near you in eastern Texas:
Arabella of Athens: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care
Arabella of Kilgore: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care
Arabella of Longview: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care
Autumn Wind: Independent Living and Assisted Living
The Hamptons of Tyler: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care
Civitas Senior Living Thanks Our Brave Veterans
Show your support for the brave men and women who have served our country with honor and courage on Veterans Day. There are many ways to express gratitude—from simply listening to their stories to volunteering your time or donating money to organizations that help veterans in need.
Whatever you do, remember that our lives are enriched by their service every day and that we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid in full. Thank you, veterans!
Visit a Civitas Senior Living community near you to learn more about how our services support veterans.
