This episode of The Senior Soup Podcast features a discussion on VA benefits for seniors with retired Rear Admiral Robert O. Wray Jr. (ret.), an accomplished military veteran and CEO of BlueStar TeleHealth.
Overview of VA Benefits for Seniors
Rob outlines the extensive range of VA benefits for seniors, including:
- Healthcare Benefits
- Disability Benefits
- Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits
- Pensions
- Education and Training
- Home Loan Guarantee
- Life Insurance
- Burial and Memorial Benefits
- Transition Assistance
- Claims, Military Medals, and Records
Admiral Wray emphasizes the importance of starting with the “Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors” book.
Click the link below to access the PDF version of the book:
Navigating the VA System for Seniors
The admiral advises senior veterans to seek help from local veterans organizations and liaison officers to navigate the VA system effectively.
He highlights the abundance of resources available, including charitable organizations and congressionally approved veterans organizations.
Senior Care and Aid and Attendance Benefits
Rob explained the aid and attendance benefits for senior veterans who need assistance with daily living activities. He discussed the eligibility criteria and the application process, noting that many home care agencies can assist veterans in obtaining these benefits.
BlueStar TeleHealth Services for Seniors
Rob describes BlueStar TeleHealth, which evolved from Blue Star Senior Tech, focusing on providing technology to help seniors stay safe, healthy, and connected at home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company shifted to telehealth services, offering remote management of chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure.
Rob Wray’s Military and Family Background
Admiral Wray shares his family’s extensive military service history, highlighting how his father, an orphan from upstate New York, went to West Point (United States Military Academy) and joined the Army.
But Admiral Wray chose the Navy while his brothers served in the Army.
His family includes around twenty members who have served in various branches, including the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day
Rob clarifies the differences between Veterans Day and Memorial Day:
- Memorial Day honors those who have died in military service. It originated as Decoration Day after the Civil War.
- Veterans Day honors all who have served in uniform. It began as Armistice Day after World War I and was later renamed to include World War II veterans.
Importance of Honoring Veterans
Rob and Ryan discuss the importance of honoring veterans, particularly those from World War II. They share personal anecdotes about their grandfathers’ military experiences and how these shaped their lives.
Key Takeaways on VA Benefits for Seniors
Rob emphasizes three main points:
- The veteran population is aging, with many veterans over the age of 65.
- There are numerous VA benefits for seniors, which can be overwhelming but are beneficial.
- Veterans should seek help from knowledgeable individuals and persistently navigate the system to obtain their benefits.
Conclusion and Gratitude
Ryan expresses his gratitude to Rob for his mentorship and contributions to his career and family. The episode concludes with a reminder about The Senior Soup podcast’s release schedule and ways to access it.
Listen to The Senior Soup Podcast:
- Released every Monday at 9 a.m.
- Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other podcast directories.
- Visit TheSeniorSoup.com for more resources and information.
