The Veterans' Administration offers an Improved Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that is largely unknown.  This Improved Pension (part of the VA Improved Pension program) allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits.  It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity.  Assisted care in an assisted living facility also qualifies.

This most important benefit is overlooked by many families with Veterans or surviving spouses who need additional monies to help care for ailing parents or loved ones.  This is a "pension benefit" and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation.  Most Veterans who are in need of assistance qualify for this pension.  Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility.  A Veteran is eligible for up to $1,632 per month, while a surviving spouse is eligible for up to $1,055 per month.  A couple is eligible for up to $1,949 per month (http://www.veteranaid.org/)
Ask for more information, forms and assistance with applying.