In a previous post, we highlighted the importance of cardiovascular health during American Heart Month and discussed the unique care needs veterans and their caregivers face. We also announced an exciting new partnership between Generations Home Care and Veterans Care Coordination™ which will help vets get the care benefits they’ve earned. In this post, we’d like to shine a light on veteran heart health and talk a bit about how in-home care can provide important support.
Heart Disease Disproportionately Affects Veterans
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and is also the leading cause of hospitalizations in the VA health care system. As the Veterans Administration notes, the disease is important for veterans because it’s associated with other conditions that often affect them, like spinal-cord injuries, diabetes, and post-traumatic stress disorder. There’s also strong evidence that vets are more likely to develop heart disease than the civilian population. About 6% of vets will suffer heart attacks or develop coronary heart disease, compared with 3-4% of the civilian population. Studies have also shown that veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder are 50% more likely to suffer heart failure.
In 2015, The Census Bureau reported that 9.3 million American veterans were age 65 or older. With incidences of heart disease increasing with age, and vets suffering from greater susceptibility to the disease, it’s more important than ever for vets to focus on heart health. That’s why Veterans Care Coordination™ and Generations Home Care are teaming up to make February Hearts for Heroes month. Together we’ll highlight ways vets can stay heart healthy and share how in-home care can support veteran heart health.
Home Care Can Help Vets Stay Heart Healthy
Veterans can stay heart healthy by eating a healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats and getting plenty of exercise. By contrast, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking all put veterans at higher risk for developing the disease. Unfortunately, the process of aging sometimes makes these important self-care tasks difficult. That’s where in-home care comes in.
Home care provides vets with non-medical assistance for everyday tasks like meal preparation, dressing and bathing, or even companionship. This simple care can help veterans eat a healthier diet, stay active into their golden years, and ward off depression which is also linked to heart disease.
A little-known Veterans Administration program called Pension with Aid and Attendance will pay qualifying veterans up to $26,000 annually to cover the cost of in-home care. If you’re a veteran concerned about their heart health, contact Generations Home Care today to learn how you could qualify for this important benefit.
About Veterans Care Coordination™
Veterans Care Coordination™ has assisted thousands of veterans and spouses in obtaining the Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit. Company President Kyle Laramie’s extensive background in home and facility care has taught him that seniors who can stay in their homes are often happier and healthier.
Kyle founded Veterans Care Coordination™ in April 2011. As president and owner of VCC, he is driven by the memory of his grandfather. A World War II veteran, he unnecessarily missed out on essential VA benefits because his family simply did not know about the opportunities that were available to assist him in his golden years.
Under Kyle’s leadership, Veterans Care Coordination™ has become one of the fastest growing senior service companies in the Unites States. Partnering with senior care providers throughout the U.S., VCC has served more than 10,000 families in 45 states. The company currently employs more than 75 professionals.
About Generations Home Care
Generations Home Care can help provide the quality in-home care and support services seniors need to live fuller, healthier, independent lives.
We offer levels of care ranging from companionship, to respite for the primary family caregiver, to homemaking services, to assistance with activities of daily living, to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We take a holistic approach and emphasize a consistent, client-centered plan of care.
Our Specialty Services Include:
- Rehab or hospital-to-home programs for safe discharge.
- Short-term post-operative care during recovery periods.
- Non-medical life management services for people with chronic conditions.
- Veteran’s connection to care program.
- Live-in services and couples care.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at 602-595-HOME (4663) or by filling out the contact form on our website.
