Age is an interesting phenomenon! When we are young, we think we will live forever. Things like long-term planning aren’t something most of us thought about. Oh, we know we have to save and we know at some point we will retire. We know (we hope) Social Security will be there to help a little. Some might get life insurance in the event we don’t make it, but that is only helpful to those we leave behind, sure we get piece of mind out of it, but ... Talking to veterans now, when we joined the service, were we thinking about potential retirements benefits? I think not, at least most of us. Some might have misunderstood their recruiter and thought their healthcare would be taking care of for life if they could just do at least two years of honorable service. I say misunderstood, since eligibility for VA healthcare requires a service-connected disability, exposure to toxic materials, or a low-income situation. But, probably many who signed up, didn’t even think about that.

We joined for a variety of reasons like patriotism, serving to protect our great country’s freedoms and defend our Constitution, or just to “get out of dodge.” But, we did join, we did serve, we did complete our service, and we move on with our lives ... and we got older. It happens. Now we start thinking about retirement. Is what we have saved plus what Social Security income we are getting going to be enough when we start felling the aches and pains of age and start needing some assistance to manage on a day-to-day basis? If we are over 65, Medicare is there to help; is that enough? Will you have to pay co-pays? Will you need more help? 

OK, at some point, you just may need to go into an assisted living facility or a nursing home. Assisted living facilities cost more than $3,000/month and nursing homes cost over $7,000/month typically. Have you planned for that? Sure, Medicare/Medicaid will pay for nursing home, but to be eligible, you have to essentially meet a low financial asset level. So, likely most will want (or need) to stay at home just as long as possible. 

So, where am I going with all of this? On July 27, the American Legion is hosting an VA seminar on the resources available for veterans and their families to support veterans who need to age at home and if they need to go to a facility, what is available from the VA. The VA experts will be here to provide an overview of all the programs and how to access them, and they will be available to meet one-on-one to talk specifically with those who have questions. So, mark you calendars for July 27. Time and details will be forthcoming. 

The Legion Yard Sale is Aug. 10!  The Post is ready to accept any items you may have. Just call the hall to arrange.