According to the most recent statistics from the US Census, the median age of veterans in 2023 was 65. If you are a veteran around this age, you may be thinking about what benefits and resources are available to you as you approach and plan for end-of life.

Perhaps early in your life after service, you focused on benefits and resources related to education programs, job searches, or training resources. Those tools were critical as you planned your future. Now it may be wisest to plan for your legacy and how to position your family/loved ones well to deal with your passing.

Below is a checklist to run through as you and your family prepare to access the resources available as you structure end-of-life care and beyond.

Tasks for planning for end-of-life: 

• Discuss your military service with your family and locate copies of your military separation document(s), such as your DD214. Keep these documents in a secure location known to to those who might be tasked with controlling the execution of your estate
• Verify that your beneficiaries are up to date on necessary documents such as your VA Life Insurance benefit
• Document your spouse’s and your marital histories. This information is important if your spouse applies for VA benefits after your passing. 
• Discuss your definition of quality of life as you age. What goals do you want to accomplish? What experiences do you want to have?
  • For example, the nonprofit Honor Flight Network sends Veterans from around the country to the nation’s capital at no cost to visit and reflect at their war memorials. This is generally a very meaningful and special experience for Veterans.
• Discuss your medical wishes. The VA has resources available to help you age in your own home with home health services or in a skilled facility. Learn more about the Geriatrics and Extended Care benefits available to Veterans with chronic or terminal illnesses.
• Be sure to document your medical wishes. 

Tasks for approaching end-of-life:

• Have your family or loved one obtain copies of medical records before and after your passing.
• Revisit your medical wishes and make any additional accommodations. 
• Have your family or loved one keep a record of any medical expenses related to your final illness. 
• Revisit burial and memorial services decisions. Remember to clarify your wishes as to where you would like to be laid to rest.
  • Burial benefits for veterans include:
    • Pre-Need Eligibility for National Cemetery Burial or Memorialization VA provides for a final resting place for eligible Veterans, spouses, and their eligible dependents, as well as a headstone or marker, a flag to drape the casket and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. 
    • Veterans headstone or grave markers in any cemetery
    • Veterans’ medallion for a privately purchased headstone in a private cemetery
    • State, tribal, or territorial veteran cemeteries
    • Veteran’s casket or urn

Sign up for Peacefully today to assist with anything you made need while planning for end-of-life.