<p>While my mom was hospitalized last year for cellulitis, I got the ball rolling on applying for VA benefits. Now, eight months later, it seems things are starting to move. She has actually gotten a small check deposited in the checking account I offered for direct deposit, but because of her mental issues, they are making a decision on her competence and who will handle her benefits.</p>
<p>She has been admitted to the hospital again for infections, and will probably go to a skilled nursing facility after that, like she did last year. </p>
<p>My deceased father was in the Korean War, which allowed her to qualify for benefits, and I’m wondering if there are care facilities available for the spouses, especially female, of veterans. </p>
<p>Our local Veterans Home does accept spouses of veterans, however the waitlist is quite long especially if the veteran is not at the facility. A few years ago when I looked into it the wait was over 3 years.</p>
<p>My in-laws qualified for assisted living benefits. You qualify if the veteran or the spouse is disabled, unable to live by themselves, and have minimal financial resources but don’t require nursing home care.</p>
<p>Montegut: You might check and see if your mom’s state has a Veteran’s Office. Also, the local VFW or American Legion Post might have someone who can help – the ways of the federal government are like that old game that started, “You are in a maze of dark, twisty passages, all alike.” Finding someone local who knows their way through the maze is a tremendous help. I assume that the benefits she’s qualified for already are the Aid & Attendance benefits? </p>
<p>Her Area Agency on Aging – that’s a federal term – if you call the senior center near her or the department of Social Services for her area they should be able to give you the contact phone number for the organization designated as the Area Agency on Aging in her area, and they should have somebody that can help connect you with possible resources.</p>