Education

Veteran’s Benefits Pay for Senior Care

Posted by on Mar 14, 2012 in Education | 1 comment

Veteran’s Benefits Pay for Senior Care

Life planning is essential in today’s economy. The process can be difficult and overwhelming. It can be especially challenging when the time comes to research long term care options. Although, there are many factors to consider, affordability is often a  key factor. Did you know that veterans and their spouses might qualify for financial assistance to pay for assisted living in Stockbridge, Ga. and across the country?

Veterans benefits as a financial resource is sometimes overlooked. Fortunately, our U.S government rewards our veterans who have bravely sacrificed their lives to protect our country. While there are several benefits offered to veterans, the Aid and Attendance pension is one that is often unknown. This pension gives additional monetary assistance to veterans and their spouses who are in need of personalized care. These individuals may need assistance with ADL’s (activities of daily living) or assistance with household items. Veterans Aid and Attendance can also cover individuals who are incapacitated in any way. Many families do not realize that spouses of veterans also qualify for this pension. This means if a veteran is completely independent and their spouse is not, monetary aid for care may be available for the spouse.

Assisted living communities such as Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Stockbridge, Ga. specialize in senior care needs. Indeed,  assisted living communities are covered by the VA Aid and Attendance pension. There are eligibility requirements for specific monetary allowances, so speaking with a VA Benefits specialist would be necessary. Visit our Financial Options page on our website for more information on finding a local VA specialist who can help you, or give us a call at  Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Stockbridge, Ga. We will point you in the right direction.

 

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Our Interview with Resident William Alburn (AB) Grier

Posted by on Oct 12, 2011 in Education, Spirit | 100 comments

Our Interview with Resident William Alburn (AB) Grier

Where did you grow up? 

Elmore County Alabama.  In the country.

What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?

Swimming in the creek, opossum hunting, riding his bicycle to Montgomery 32 miles to visit a friend, playing basketball.

What are some of your favorite memories from your adulthood?

Being married to his wife for 61 years, 3 beautiful daughters, 3 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Did you have a profession?

Mr. Grier worked in a cotton mill, was an American National Insurance Agent for 20 years and an Auditor for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 18 years.  He also served in the Navy from 1943-1946.

Do you remember what was happening in your life during a significant event in US History?

When John F Kennedy was assassinated, Mr. Grier was in his office in Lauren Mississippi, and his wife was shopping in a 10 cent store and heard about the assassination of the President and went and told her husband.  When the attack on World Trade Center happened on 9/11, Mr. Grier was at home and his son-in-law came and told him about it and he turned the TV on in time to see the second plane hit the other tower.

What accomplishments in your life do you feel most proud of when you look back on your life from the perspective you have now, living in Dogwood Forest assisted living in Eagles Landing?

Marrying his wife Annie.

Is there anything you’ve learned in your life you wish to share with someone who is just graduating college?

Don’t take the first job you are offered. Be selective in the job that you take.  The attitude of your boss is very important.

Is there anything you’ve learned in life you wish to share with someone who is just starting a family?

Discuss how to handle family situations that will come up with your spouse before you marry so that you both will know how to handle situations when they come up – and they will.

What brought you to assisted living in Eagles Landing?

A safety issue.  Mr. and Mrs. Grier were living at home but Mrs. Grier had very poor vision and she did not feel safe at home even with her husband there, so when opportunity came to come to Dogwood Forest she stated she would feel safe here and so Mr. Grier was OK with coming here.

How do you enjoy Dogwood Forest as your new home?

He likes it just fine.  He especially likes that his wife feels safe here.

What is your favorite part of living at Dogwood?

My wife is satisfied here.

Who is your best friend at Dogwood?

Besides his wife, who is also a Resident here, he likes the two men that he eats meals with in the dining room.

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