Right at Home

Veterans and their surviving spouses who require the regular aid and attendance of another person for the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, etc., may qualify for a special “Aid and Attendance” (A&A) benefit, in addition to their monthly pension. This benefit is available to honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who meet eligibility criteria. Assets are included in the equation for eligibility, with exclusions for personal property such as the veteran’s home or vehicle. For additional A&A benefit information, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

The key difference between a caretaker and a caregiver is that a caregiver is someone who looks after a person who needs care and support, both physically and emotionally, whereas a caretaker typically refers to a person who is in charge of the maintenance of a building or estate, or someone who temporarily performs the duties of an office. A caregiver is a relatively newer term than caretaker, and is a person who provides direct care for children, the elderly, those who are disabled or chronically ill, or others who need assistance.