When families begin the search for senior care, how to pay for it is a concern that can come up quickly for many. Private funds typically cover a large percentage of the costs, but there are many other financing options that can assist. The list includes a unique program known as the Aid and Attendance Benefit.This tax-free benefit is offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is designed for both the veteran and their spouse. It can help bridge the gap between a veteran's income and assets, and the cost of senior care.What is the Aid & Attendance Benefit?The Aid & Attendance Benefit provides financial support (on top of a basic VA pension) to veterans and their spouses, or the surviving spouses of deceased veterans. A veteran age 65 or older who served at least 90 days of active military service, of which at least one day was during an acknowledged period of war, may be eligible. This benefit also applies to their surviving spouse.There are several important things to know with regard to the benefit. First, the veteran who applies must have been honorably discharged from service. It's also essential to know that the veteran does not have to have been injured during their period of military service to qualify for financial assistance. Finally, applicants must be eligible for and already receiving a VA pension or must be eligible and apply for a VA pension at the same time they apply for the Aid & Attendance Benefit.Who is Eligible for Assistance through the Aid & Attendance Benefit?There are a variety of qualifying conditions the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) takes into consideration when determining if a veteran or their spouse is eligible for assisted living benefits.Military Service RequirementThe first requirement a veteran must meet is at least 90 days of active military service. At least one day of that service must have been during an acknowledged period of war. Here are the wars and conflicts that meet the period of war requirement set by Department of Veterans Affairs:World War I (April 6, 1917November 11, 1918)World War II (December 7, 1941December 31, 1946)Korean conflict (June 27, 1950January 31, 1955)Vietnam era (February 28, 1961May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise, August 5, 1964May 7, 1975)Gulf War (August 2, 1990through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation)Needs-Based RequirementAccording to the Department of Veterans Affairs, a veteran or surviving spouse must also meet at least one of the following criteria to receive senior care benefits:Need for another person to help perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing, orMust stay in bed or spend a large portion of the day in bed because of illness, orBe a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, orHave limited eyesight (even with glasses or contact lenses having only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less)If the veteran meets both the military service and the needs-based requirements outlined above, the next step is to evaluate the yearly family income and net worth standard. These income and asset guidelines are adjusted each year by Congress.Senior Care Financial Support for Veterans and SpousesWhile families often find the process complicated and even cumbersome, this benefit can make a significant difference for veterans who qualify for financial assistance. While the amounts change every year, they currently range from $14,928 a year for a surviving spouse to $27,540 for a veteran with a spouse or child.You can learn more by visiting the Pension benefits area of the US Department of Veterans Affairs online.Sunrise Senior Living Welcomes VeteransSunrise communities are proud to be home for many of our nation's veterans. Our team members have experience helping families understand the Aid and Attendance Benefit. Call the Sunrise community nearest you today to learn more about this special benefit for veterans and their spouses!

Art makes the world better. From the enjoyment that comes from looking at a watercolor painting to creating your own work of art, creativity has a variety of health benefits. Research also shows that engaging in the creative arts improves the lives of adults with dementia. Here are a few of the many benefits the creative process provides seniors with memory impairment:Reduced agitation and anxiety: Among the difficult behaviors caused by dementia are anxiety and agitation. When an adult with a memory impairment participates in art projects, they are more likely to remain focused and engaged. It gives them something tangible to do. The end result is often a reduction in anxiety and a boost to mood.Sense of accomplishment: Short-term memory loss is common among adults with dementia. This can make it more difficult to stay on task and complete activities. Art projects can be empowering because it is the actual process of creating, rather than the finished project, that provides a sense of accomplishment.Opportunity for self-expression: Dementia impacts different areas of the brain, including those linked to language skills. This can reduce a persons verbal skills as well as their ability to communicate effectively. Because art utilizes a part of the brain that is different from that used for language, it gives people an ability to express themselves. That means a senior who has some form of dementia that affects their speech, can benefit from having a creative outlet as a means for self-expression.A chance to socialize: Depending on the stage of a seniors dementia, they may be able to participate in art classes. It might be ones you create for them at home or as part of an adult day program or memory care community. This gives the senior an opportunity to socialize with peers that can otherwise be tough to come by.Easy Art Projects for Adults with Dementia. If you are looking for a few creative art projects for a senior loved one with memory loss, here is a list of ideas to explore:Paper flowers: These can be as simple or as complex as you choose. Its also an inexpensive project that requires few supplies. DIY Paper Flowers has step-by-step instructions for creating a variety of different floral designs. If you prefer to learn by video, 6 Easy Paper Flowers and How to Make a Flower Out of Paper are several to try.Adult coloring books: Coloring is another easy art project that is especially great for relaxation. You can purchase these at bookstores and craft stores, along with colored pencils. Simple designs that are larger and easier to see might be best.Handmade note cards: One easy idea to try is making note cards. You can make watercolor cards, stamp and ink designs, or cards made from pasting photos cut from magazines.Decorating cookies: Another activity that has both aromatherapy and art therapy benefits is baking and decorating cut-out cookies. You can make seasonally themed cookies, such as for spring or Valentines Day.Stepping stones: You could also purchase stepping stone kits from the craft store. They come in a variety of themes and designs, and can usually be completed in the course of an afternoon.It may be a process of trial and error to determine which art projects your senior loved one most enjoys.Art and Memory CareAt Sunrise communities, we know the important role art can play in the lives of people with dementia. Along with fitness programs and social activities, art is a part of daily life in our memory care Reminiscence Neighborhoods. We invite you to call the Sunrise nearest you to schedule a time for a personal tour!