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Why We’re The Best Place for Veterans To Retire

A photo of World War 2 veterans dressed in military style

There’s something about being part of a brother or sisterhood that includes a group of friends who have a good idea of what you’ve been through because they’ve experienced something similar. That’s one of the reasons people with similar jobs, backgrounds or hobbies enjoy spending time together.

If you’re a veteran, you know other veterans understand the sacrifice and dedication it takes to faithfully serve your country. At Freedom Plaza, being part of a senior living community with a large circle of veterans to socialize with is one of the greatest benefits of living here, but it’s not the only one.

Veterans Flourish at Freedom Plaza

Veteran-friendly senior living communities like Freedom Village provide a supportive setting for veterans and their spouses. Through outings, activities and events both on and off campus, veterans can socialize and meet others who understand their experiences and build the camaraderie that helps them continue a healthy lifestyle. Communities with many veteran residents are often linked with veterans charities or other worthy organizations. Volunteering for these causes is a meaningful way for you to help other veterans with the empathy they deserve.

Tampa Among the Best Cities For Veterans

If you’re a veteran looking for the best place to retire, look no further than Tampa. According to the personal finance website WalletHub’s annual report, our area has been named the best city in the U.S. for military veterans to live in. Its study compared the 100 most populated cities in the country based on 20 metrics in four categories:

  • Employment
  • Economy
  • Quality of life
  • Health

Tampa ranked high for its “retiree-friendliness” and military discounts.

Retired Veterans Should Consider These Benefits

If you’re a veteran who’s considering a move to a senior living community like Freedom Plaza, there are financial benefits available you should consider. Wartime veterans or their surviving spouses may qualify for a monthly veterans pension and other benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help offset the cost of senior care.

Who’s eligible?

Every situation is different, but it’s worth spending time on the VA website to figure out the range of available veteran retirement benefits.

What is Aid and Attendance or Housebound?

For those who currently receive a VA pension, there are two lesser-known VA programs that may provide assistance toward the cost of assisted living and other types of senior care. However, a veteran or their survivor may qualify for one or the other of these benefits, but not both:

Aid and Attendance benefit: If you need the aid or assistance of another person, you may be eligible for additional monthly payments above your normal pension. This tax-free money can be used for in-home care, board and care, an assisted living community or a private-pay nursing home. To qualify, a veteran or their survivor must meet income requirements and have at least one of these conditions:

  • Need help with the activities of daily living such as bathing or dressing
  • Stay in bed or spend a large part of the day in bed because of disability or illness
  • Need long-term nursing care because of a disability
  • Have very poor eyesight

Housebound benefit: This benefit is an addition to the basic pension. “Housebound” is defined as an individual who’s confined to their home because of a permanent disability. To qualify, you’ll be asked to provide medical evidence for the type of care you need and details of how your abilities are affected.

Welcome Home. Welcome to Freedom Plaza.

If you want to learn more about independent living at Freedom Plaza, we invite you to take a personal tour of our campus. Once you step foot on our community, we think you’ll feel at home. To schedule your visit, contact us here or use our Community Assistant chat feature.