Daphne Davis at Pinnacle Senior Placements recently sat down with Suzanne Newman of Answers for Elders to talk about Veteran’s Day and how to honor our senior veterans.
Veteran’s Day: Honoring Veterans, with Daphne Davis
Originally Armistice Day, November 11 is a federal holiday to celebrate all of the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Whether they’re family, friends, or complete strangers, we thank them for the sacrifices they have made to give us our freedom. This November 11, if you’re not quite sure how to say thanks, here are some simple ways you can choose to honor senior veterans in your own neighborhood.
1. Go out of your way to say “thank you” to a senior veteran.
If you have a family member or a friend who has served in the military, don’t forget to give them an extra hug and say, “thank you.” Especially for senior veterans, a simple “thank you” goes a long way. It tells them, “I haven’t forgotten you served. I appreciate what you’ve sacrificed.” Even if you don’t have a loved one who has served, it is definitely meaningful to thank a veteran you see out in public.
2. Support a business that gives free meals to veterans.
It’s very common for restaurants and other businesses to give veterans freebies on November 11. If you’re looking for a different way to show gratitude, dine at one of these places. If a restaurant is willing to give away a free meal to show thanks, why not show that you support that by dining with them? It’s an easy and subtle way to give support on a personal level.
3. Visit a cemetery to pay your respects
Visiting a cemetery can be a humbling and educational experience. Show your support and gratitude by visiting a National Cemetery and simply hanging a wreath or leaving some flowers (if gifts are allowed). Many cemeteries hold special memorial services on Veteran’s Day that are open to the public.
Helping Senior Veterans with Long-Term and Home Care
On a financial level, there is a veteran’s program called Aid and Attendance. It’s a VA Pension benefit that can be used to cover the cost of home care and other long-term care services. And, it’s also available for spouses. Aid and Attendance can be used to help pay for assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes. To qualify for Aid and Attendance, a senior veteran must:
- be receiving a VA pension.
- need help with activities of daily living, be homebound, or have limited eyesight.
Suzanne Newman
Founder and CEO of Answers for Elders, Inc., Suzanne Newman proclaims often, “Caring for my mom was the hardest thing I ever have done, but it was also my greatest privilege.” Following a career of over 25 years in sales, media, and marketing management, Suzanne Newman found herself on a 6-year journey caring for her mother. Her trials and tribulations as a family caregiver inspired an impassioned life mission outside of the corporate world to revolutionize the journey that so many other American families also find themselves on. In 2009, she became the founder and CEO of Answers for Elders, Inc., subsequently hosting hundreds of radio segments and podcasts, as well as authoring her first book. Suzanne and Answers for Elders, Inc. have spent 14 years, and counting, committed to helping families and seniors along their caregiving journeys by providing education, resources, and support. Each week on the Answers for Elders podcast, Suzanne is joined by vetted professional experts in over 65 categories including Health & Wellness, Life Changes, Living Options, Money, Law, and more. Suzanne lives in Edmonds, Washington with her husband, Keith, and their two doodle dogs, Whidbey and Skagit.
Connect with Suzanne
Visit AFE on the web: https://answersforelders.com/
