October 20th, 2023 by admin
Physical activity is crucial for living a healthy lifestyle, regardless of age. Regular exercise is even more necessary for seniors and veterans in retirement homes as it can provide several physical and mental health benefits. Everyone is worthy of comfort and care, especially our senior citizens, and few would argue with the idea that our veterans particularly deserve. After all, they gave their time, skills, and courage to ensure we enjoy a better quality of life. A veteran’s retirement home can provide them with all of that.
As people age, staying physically fit and active can be very challenging. Particularly for veterans who have served in the war or borders of different places defending America’s freedom. Staying active is one of the most fundamental things for maintaining health and well-being. Someof the key activities help seniors stay mobile, fit, and engaged, including organized exercise classes and more leisurely pursuits. This piece will try to look at various activities for keeping seniors moving and advise on incorporating these into everyday life. We will explore why physical activity is essential for seniors and veterans in retirement homes and how it can improve their quality of life.
- Improved Physical Health
Regular physical activity can help seniors and veterans maintain and improve their physical health. It can improve balance, strength, and flexibility and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabates, heart diseases and diabetes. Exercise can also help seniors and veterans maintain a healthy weight, essential for preventing many health problems. Furthermore, physical activity can improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls, a significant concern for older adults.
- Enhanced Mental Well-being
Physical activity has numerous mental health benefits for seniors and veterans. It can minimize stress, anxiety, and depression, boost mood, and improve cognitive function. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the natural chemicals that make you feel good. This can help seniors and veterans feel more energized and positive, even in the face of physical or mental challenges.
- Social Connections
Veteran’s retirement homes offer an excellent opportunity for seniors and veterans to meet and connect with new people. Physical activity can be a really fun and social way to exercise and make new friends. Many retirement homes offer exercise classes and programs catering to different fitness and mobility levels. Participating in group exercise classes can help seniors and veterans feel a sense of belonging and purpose.
- It’s Never Too Late to Start
Many seniors and veterans may feel it’s too late to start physically active. However, there is always time to start. Retirement homes often offer a variety of exercise classes and programs that cater to the different levels of fitness and mobility. Staff members can work with seniors and veterans to develop personalized exercise plans that are safe and effective.
- Get Moving Today!
Regular physical activity is essential for seniors and veterans in retirement homes. It can improve the physical health, mental well-being, and social connections. Retirement homes offer a range of exercise classes and programs that cater to different levels of fitness and mobility. Seniors and veterans can work with staff members to develop personalized exercise plans that are safe and effective.
So what are you waiting for? Get moving today and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle!
In conclusion, physical activity is essential to a healthy lifestyle for seniors and veterans in retirement homes. It can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits like improved physical health, enhanced mental well-being, and social connections.
July 27th, 2023 by admin
There is no denying that the increase in the numbers and demographic and economic characteristics of older and female veterans will drive the future of service needs for the veterans. There has been a change in the number of veteran populations, and it indeed requires a critical look at the programs that serve the veterans. If you quickly search for a homeless veteran’s shelter near me, you shall come across the following service programs. These include:
- HUD – VA Supportive Housing
This is an effective tool for veterans dealing with homelessness and affordability issues related to housing facilities. It combines rental assistance, HUD Housing Choice Vouchers, and case management. Most of the HUD-VASH vouchers are deployed as portable assistance for any rental housing that accepts them. In 2010 HUD allocated a national pool for project-based assistance. Along with that, some public housing authorities use portions of their HUD-VASH allocations for project-based assistance for the creation of new and permanent supportive housing units.
- The VA’s Grant and Per Diem Program
The VA’s GPD program offers funds to community agencies to serve homeless veterans through a combination of capital grants and operation subsidies for housing and supportive services. The program mainly aims to provide transitional or temporary assistance. Thus, if you check for a homeless veterans’ shelter near me, you will find a lot of transitional or temporary shelter assistance for homeless veterans. However, there are also successful examples of VA’s Grant Per Diem where the veterans have received permanent housing. The program has a strong network of housing providers with additional flexibility in programming rules that could be more compatible with supporting long-term housing.
- Enhanced Use Leases (EULs)
EULs offer excess or underutilized VA-owned land and buildings as sites for transitional or permanent supportive housing for veterans. Are you seeking help with a homeless veterans’ shelter near me? You should check the EULs because the program had approved 20 EUL sites for veterans’ housing or low-income housing with priority for veterans. Also, there are medical center campuses that enhance the provision of supportive services to chronically homeless or low-income veterans.
- Supportive Service for Veteran Families (SSVF) Programs
The supportive service for veteran families’ issues grants to non-profit organizations. The non-profit organizations quickly re-house the homeless veterans and their families and prevent homelessness amongst veterans. Using the housing-first model, the SSVF program’s main objective is to help the veterans and their families secure stable and permanent housing. Grantees offer various services to veterans, along with legal assistance, healthcare, credit counseling, and other services. Did you know? Between 2012 and 2014, the program served more than 100,000 veterans and family members.
- HUD’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Programs
If you search for a homeless veterans’ shelter near me, you will see that the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Programs are grouped under HUD’s continuum of care. This includes help for the veterans and their families moving out due to emergency situations, transitional housing assistance, and helping the veterans to relocate to more stable and long-term housing. Homeless assistance is reauthorized through the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act.
- Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP helps service members and their spouses to make the initial transition from military service to the civilian workplace. TAP is generally not linked with housing programs, but it is a valuable resource for lower-income veterans that receive housing assistance. TAP includes a three-day workshop at specific military installations nationwide. The veterans who have service-connected disabilities are offered DTAP (Disabled Transition Assistance Program).
June 14th, 2023 by admin
The military separates Veterans into four different types for a reason. The kind of Veteran determines eligibility for military benefits and other special recognition. Moreover, the status depends on different factors, including the length of service and the roles in combat. Additionally, the status of a Veteran is also influenced by what type of service discharge.
Therefore, it’s essential to know the four types of status for Veterans to find the right help for homeless veterans shelters near me:
Definition of Veteran
Unfortunately, many Veterans are surprised to find a reluctant hiring force and other issues adjusting to civilian life. However, there are many negative stereotypes and assumptions made about military vets. For this reason, bridging the gap between civilians and Veterans is essential to avoid misconceptions.
According to 38 U.S. Code – 101, the official definition of a military veteran is:
A person who served in the naval, air, or space military service was released honorably.
In general, the military categories Veterans into four types depending on several factors:
- Duration of ServiceTime of Service
- Type of Discharge
- Disability Status
- Combat Roles
4 Types of Veterans
There are different types of Veteran, despite the misconception. Accordingly, spreading awareness narrows the gap in misunderstanding between civilians and military Vets. Additionally, knowing which type of Veteran you are to see if you qualify for unique benefits is helpful.
#1. War Veteran
War Veterans are the active duty or reserve members of the armed forces that have been in an area of conflict. Generally, these military personnel spend a long time on foreign soil, where they may be posted during service for years. However, it doesn’t just include those in combat roles, as many other military specialties apply. For example, mechanics and nurses often serve behind enemy lines where a serious threat exists.
#2. Combat Veteran
Combat Veterans are the active duty or reserve service members who have encountered any combat for a long time. In general, this also occurs on foreign soil, yet it is open to any situation involving conflict. Combat Veterans receive the acknowledgment whether on an offensive, defensive, or friendly-fire condition. These types of Veterans, like War Veterans, are entitled to additional benefits from the VA.
#3. Retired Veteran
Retired Veterans are the military personnel that have served for 20 or more years. The length of time must be considered as an active duty or reserve position. Furthermore, the type of Veteran is often expanded to include those “medically retired” because of injuries sustained during service.
Medically Retired Veterans need not exceed the 20 years of service requirement. The military treats medically retired Vets in the same stature as honorably discharged personnel. Therefore, it’s among the four types of Veterans classifications more desirable and therefore, it is essential to offer homeless veterans shelters near me.
Military retirees are eligible for the complete package of advantages.
However, the training and experience can also translate into a rewarding civilian career.
#4. Protected Veteran
The U.S. Armed Forces look out for those injured in the line of duty. Thus, a soldier who is permanently disabled or requires extensive recovery time qualifies as a Protected Veteran. Veterans under this type of designation are entitled to exclusive benefits. Additionally, you can receive a pension for the rest of your life.
Medically discharged soldiers deserve unique benefits and first-class health care. More importantly, Protected Veterans are safeguarded from discrimination, including in the workplace. The U.S. Armed Forces currently divide Protected Veterans into four subcategories:
- Disabled Veterans
- Recently Separated Veterans
- Campaign Badge Veterans
- Armed Forces Service Medal Veterans
Disabled Veterans generally receive ratings that are labeled in the form of percentages. The higher the rating translates, the more the Veteran is qualified to obtain benefits. As a result, disabled Vets may claim a comprehensive benefits package that ranges from 10 – 100%. Lastly, the injuries don’t always have to be sustained during active duty to qualify for disability benefits.
April 21st, 2023 by admin
Veterans looking for a place they can call home often turn into a story of unending pain and struggle in the United States. They often find it difficult because they no longer have a job or savings and are left homeless. They also need more resources and channels to find the right direction to have a permanent home. If you’re looking for homeless veteran housing near me, a VA loan makes the most sense for the vast majority of veterans. The VA has no minimum credit requirement, but most lenders do.
The basic steps to keep in mind
Here are the basic steps to get a VA loan:
Obtain your certificate of eligibility: This document gives you the right to purchase a home with a VA loan. In addition, you need to meet the VA’s minimum service time requirements. These are waived if you were discharged due to a service-connected disability.
Funding fee: Unless you qualify for one of the above exemptions, you must pay the VA funding fee. You can save up for it or have it built into the loan amount.
Get preapproved: Getting preapproved will let you know the top end of your budget so you can start looking at houses. Preapproval involves submitting documents like W-2s, 1099s, tax returns, and evidence of disability benefits. We’ll also verify any assets you want to use to qualify for the home from bank and investment accounts. Finally, a credit check determines your qualifying score and your existing debts.
Get an appraisal: An appraisal places a value on a home. This is necessary because lenders can’t loan you more than the home is worth. Additionally, all appraisals have essential health and safety guidelines that the property must pass. The VA has some special requirements, including pest inspections in many states.
Home inspection: Although this isn’t required, getting a home inspection is never a bad idea. A home inspector will examine the home with you and review the structure and systems in the house to look for any current problems and let you know about potential future issues. If problems need fixing, you can negotiate with the seller on these or walk away over a significant issue if you have an inspection contingency.
Close the deal: On closing day, you’ll have a final property inspection, pay whatever closing costs are due and sign the title paperwork. Then you’ll get the keys. Congratulations! You’re a homeowner!
The Bottom Line
Your service to your country is much appreciated. Thanks for all you’ve done! As a veteran, you should feel comfortable taking advantage of the assistance programs available to ensure you always have affordable, safe accommodations. There are also grants available for disabled veterans looking to buy or modify a home to work for them. Finally, a VA loan offers the ability to get into your place with no down payment.
If you are a deserving veteran looking to move into your own home, we can help. At Habitat4Veterans, we help you connect with generous property owners willing to donate their property to give you a home or sponsor your new home. So get in touch with us now!
March 29th, 2023 by admin
Military service is difficult, dangerous, and demanding. However, returning to civilian life is challenging for veterans, especially when they have served the nation for decades. They get used to a certain life and lifestyle. This is true for both male and female veterans. Did you know? 44% of the veterans find it difficult to cope with social life after they return from their services. This is a pretty hefty number. This is where the veterans’ transitional living centers come in.
A question might bother you – why do veterans find it hard to adjust to civilian life while others find it easy to go through the transition with almost no difficulty. To answer this question, you need to analyze their experiences, demographic characteristics of veterans, attitudes and behaviour. These elements can predict whether a service member will have an easy or challenging experience.
Did you know? The veterans that were commissioned officers and graduated from college are much more likely to have an easy time in readjusting to post-military life than enlisted personnel and those who are only high school graduates. In addition, the veterans who say they had a clear understanding of their missions during serving will also experience lesser difficulties transitioning into civilian life than those who didn’t fully understand their assignments.
One of the main reasons why we need more veterans’ transitional living centers is because the veterans that say they had an emotionally traumatic experience during their service, or if they had suffered a severe service-related injury, were more likely to face issues with the transition. Additionally, those who served in the combat zone and those who knew someone injured or killed in combat also faced issues with transitioning to civilian life. Also, the veterans who served in the post-9/11 period reported higher difficulties with transitioning to civilian life.
What are the Factors that Improve the Chances of an Easier Transition to Civilian Life?
Along with the veterans’ transitional living centers that help with the transition of veterans to civilian life, there are certain factors that help them in easing into civilian. Three crucial factors improve the chances of easy re-entry. These are:
- The rank at the time of discharge
- How well the mission was understood
- The education level
Also, another crucial factor that helps with the easier transition to civilian life is religiosity as measured by service attendance. Officers are less likely to face difficulties while adjusting to civilian life. The veterans who said they clearly understood the missions while serving are also less likely to face difficulties during their transition to civilian life. College-educated veterans are also predicted to have an easier time readjusting to life after the military than those with only a high school diploma.
Did you know? Most veterans would say they were fully prepared for active duty, but only about half of them say they were well prepared for the transition to civilian life. Also, as we mentioned earlier, there are differences by rank. The veterans who served as commissioned officers are more likely to say that the military prepared them well for the transition to civilian life than those who served as NCOs or enlisted personnel.
The feelings of optimism differ a lot based on the types of experiences that the veterans had during active duty. However, the patterns are similar when it comes to feeling disconnected from family or friends. One in five veterans also said they struggled with substance abuse after leaving the military. The veterans transitional living center can help eliminate all these issues.
January 27th, 2023 by admin
Did you know? 13% of homeless adults are veterans, and the number is more than 40,000. This means more than 40,000 veterans are presently homeless. Homeless veterans’ programs can help them to enjoy safe and stable housing. If you search about the homeless veterans’ shelters near me, you shall see that veterans are more likely to be homeless than the general population. 21 out of every 10,000 veterans face homelessness compared to 17 out of every 10,000 civilians.
Homelessness amongst veterans is a complex issue with a lot of contributing factors. It is tough to transition to civilian life for the veterans. Did you know? 44% of the veterans who have served after September 11, 2001, have reported difficulty returning to civilian life. They go through many traumatic events, combat experiences and injuries that make it extremely difficult for them to switch back to civilian life.
Also, take a quick search of the homeless veterans shelter near me. You shall come across a lot of statistics that state veterans have the same risk factor for homelessness as civilians, including mental illness and substance abuse. The risk factors specific to veterans include low military pay grades and social isolation after returning from military service.
What are the Programs that Help the Homeless Veterans?
Many programs exist to help homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness obtain and keep stable housing. The programs are as follows:
1. US Department of Housing & Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) – This is a joint program between the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program offers HUD’s housing choice vouchers for government-subsidized housing with VA resources.
2. Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) – This employment-focused program offers homeless veterans employment training.
3. Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation & Treatment Program (DRRTP) – This residential care program is for veterans struggling with homelessness or other significant issues like substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. Placement in this program lasts for 30-120 days and offers veterans counselling, residential care and community care.
4. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) – It connects homeless veterans with resources like mortgage assistance, rent, federal benefits and community organizations that serve homeless veterans in the local area.
Is Homelessness Amongst Veterans Reducing?
Veterans’ homelessness is declining through the last decade. The White House, HUD and the VA have recognized multiple cities like Las Vegas, Houston, New Orleans, and Philadelphia to end veteran homelessness in their cities functionally. These are among the 25 cities participating in the VA’s 25 Cities initiative between 2014 and 2016.
What Habitat4Veterans Does to Help Homeless Veterans?
Habitat4Veterans has taken the initiative to encourage the development of affordable housing within the community. We are a platform that connects veterans with landlords interested in renting out their properties to homeless veterans or someone who wants to offer their properties to the war heroes fighting homelessness. So, if you go through the homeless veterans’ shelter near you, you shall know the condition of the homeless veterans in your community.
If you are a landlord, we encourage you to consider accepting the HUD vouchers and encourage other property owners to do the same. Since it is risk-mitigation funding, being a property owner, you can also encourage property owners in your community to rent to the homeless veterans who don’t have HUD vouchers. We are a platform connecting veterans with landlords interested in renting their properties or providing them to homeless veterans. We also help homeless veterans to get the benefits of government programs for homeless veterans. We will ensure to help you in the best possible way because our mission has always been to eliminate veteran homelessness.
