American flag for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labour Day. Independence Day.

Providing A Good Life to Those Who Served

As Veterans Day 2020 approaches this November 11th, we salute the brave men and women who have fought for our freedom and kept us safe from harm through multiple wars. On this solemn holiday, we remember those who lost their lives on faraway battlefields and cherish those still with us.
The Buckingham is honored that many war veterans call our beautiful community home. Providing quality senior living for veterans is a privilege, and every day, we do all we can to uplift their lives in every way possible.

Close up of senor man's hand playing cards with friends at care home

All the Care You Need

When it comes to choosing senior living options for veterans, it’s a wise decision to select a community that can meet your wants and needs now, and also as you age. We all admire strength and desire independence, but a soldier, perhaps more than anyone, understands the importance of being able to depend on the support of his or her unit. It’s much the same when you live in a wonderful close-knit community like The Buckingham.

You can depend on the caring support of a trained staff whose sole job is to attend to your comforts and needs. What’s more, you’ll enjoy that attention while residing in a beautiful community designed to accommodate you throughout your life. While an independent living apartment may fit your lifestyle now, senior living communities for veterans that offer a continuum of care like The Buckingham also give you the option of moving into assisted living or memory support if the need arises. You’ll also be able to take advantage of skilled nursing if required, and rehabilitation services if you need to rest and recover from illness or injury.

Live Your Best Life

Seniors drinking wine

In a senior living community, you’ll also be surrounded by good neighbors, destined to become dear friends, eager to share all the wonderful, memorable life experiences yet to come – and there will be plenty to enjoy. The Buckingham is beloved by its residents for its always-full calendar of events. There’s something for every interest: fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, guest lecturers, faith groups, art classes, card games, and so much more.

With activities and events keeping your mind and body busy, you’re sure to develop a good appetite. Here at The Buckingham, our chefs will be ready with a delicious and varied menu you can enjoy in our formal, casual or quick-bite dining venues.

Put aside any preconceived notions you have about senior living meals being boring or unpalatable – our chefs consistently serve the freshest, finest dishes, and offer options that suit every palate. Even our executive chef, James Coughlin, who has prepared meals at top hotels and restaurants across the country, agrees that The Buckingham’s menus rival them all.

Benefits That Thank a Veteran

As you explore senior living communities for veterans, keep in mind that, being retired military, you’re entitled to some important government-funded benefits that could save you thousands of dollars each month on living expenses. Not only can these benefits make residing in a senior living community, and especially veterans senior assisted living options, more affordable, they can help make your golden years more comfortable and stress-free.

Below are a few examples of veterans’ benefits you may not be aware of. You can learn more by visiting VA.gov:

VA Pension

You qualify for a VA Pension if you meet the following criteria:

Service requirements:

· A minimum of 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a
wartime period

· If entering active duty after September 7, 1980, a minimum of 24 months or the full
amount of time for which you were called to active duty, with at least one day during a
wartime period; some exceptions may apply

Additional requirements:

· Age 65+, OR

· Permanently disabled OR

· Receiving skilled nursing care or residing as a patient in a nursing home OR

· A recipient of Supplemental Security Income OR

· A recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance

Income Requirements:

· Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress.

Be sure to visit VA.gov for more details about how the VA determines pension benefits based on income, net worth and other qualifications. The site also includes information on usage limitations.

Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

Veterans who qualify for a VA Pension may also qualify for Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound benefits.

A&A and Housebound benefits can help you pay for health-related caregiving needs. A&A covers care provided in a skilled nursing residence such as The Buckingham’s. Housebound benefits can be used for care provided in your home or senior living apartment if you have a permanent disability. NOTE: You can’t qualify for both A&A and Housebound benefits at the same time.

To be eligible for these benefits, you must meet one of the following requirements:

· You require assistance with personal, everyday tasks, such as bathing, feeding,
dressing and adjusting prosthetics.

· Your disability requires bedrest, aside from prescribed course of convalescence or
treatment.

· You require a nursing home due to mental or physical disability.

· Your eyesight is no more than a corrected 5/2000 visual acuity in both eyes or
a concentric contraction of the visual field to no more than five degrees.

NOTE: Even if your family income is too high to qualify for a basic pension, you may be eligible for A&A or Housebound allowances.

Survivor’s Pension

As a member of the military, your spouse and children can also receive funding. A Survivors Pension is a monthly, tax-free benefit for surviving loved ones of veterans who meet the VA Pension requirements.

For a surviving spouse to receive benefits, they must remain unmarried and meet the low-income requirements. The requirements for a surviving child are different. For a child to receive a Survivors Pension, they must:

· Be under age 18, or…

· Attending a VA-approved school and under age 23, or…

· Permanently incapable of supporting themselves because of a disability before age 18

Like other VA benefits, a loved one’s yearly income will affect their eligibility for a Survivors Pension and depends on the amount set by Congress. 

Detail of the engraving in granite at a US War Memorial

You Have Our Gratitude

Though Veterans Day comes just once a year, all of us at The Buckingham believe the time to thank a veteran is each and every day. We celebrate your commitment, courage and sense of duty. We promise to return your great deed through our care and undivided attention to creating your best life!