www.shsgreaterpalmsprings.com www.shorcaresuccessfulaging.com The road to accessing benefits for aging veterans is often bumpy. However, as Gen. Colin Powell said, "Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence." While several federal agencies offer resources, California residents can also access state programs, and the best results come from navigating the somewhat murky waters of both federal and state programs. Although the Golden State isn't generally regarded as a top state for veteran benefits, considerable progress has been made to ensure veterans secure the benefits they deserve. Federal resources. The granddaddy of all veteran agencies is the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and that is a good place to start. Once you're there, you can access the VA Elderly Veterans page, which includes My HealtheVet to help with prescriptions, appointment management, medical records and secure messages to care teams (www.VA.gov). On this site, you’ll also find Access VA, which offers help with matters related to insurance, vet ID cards and travel claim entries. You’ll also find information about VA pension benefits, including help with daily activities under Aid and Attendance. You'll also find housebound benefits for veterans who need financial support. State resources. State programs are typically accessible via County Veteran Service Offices. This site offers access to the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), state Department of Aging and AMVETS. Riverside County resources are at https://veterans.rivco.gov. Regional resources. Coordinating benefits between federal and state agencies will yield the best results, but can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, several private organizations have stepped up to assist and fill the gap regionally. U.S. Vets is the largest nonprofit provider of veteran supportive services in the country. Based in Los Angeles, it has very positive overall reviews (https://usvets.org/). Closer to home, 24 Hour Home Care, with a regional office in San Bernardino, offers no-cost aid services to eligible veterans and their families when authorized through the VA. This agency works as an extension of care teams, coordinating services and ensuring veterans receive the right support every step of the way (https://24hrcares.com/). Although the journey to secure veteran benefits can be challenging, knowing the resources available and working diligently for the benefits you deserve will likely lead to positive outcomes. Kim Linder is a family caregiver coach, geriatric care manager, certified dementia practitioner and long-term care claims professional. She is the founder of Senior Holistic Care Advocates and can be reached at kim@seniorholisticcare.com or (760) 969.0700. www.seniorholisticcareadvocates.com. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2026 Through the Generations The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 21 In-Home Services for Seniors by Seniors Bringing Love Into the Lives of Seniors with Dignity and Respect® Contact us today! 760.231.5044 shsgreaterpalmsprings.com info@shsgreaterpalmsprings.com ©Each office is independently owned and operated. E.O.E. License #334700274 ELDER CARE MANAGEMENT Helping Older Adults Age Safely, Independently, and with Dignity For Seniors. For Families. ADVANCED GERIATRIC MEDICATION EXPERTISE Optimizing medications for safety and effectiveness HEALTHCARE SYSTEM NAVIGATION Guiding you through complex healthcare choices CARE COORDINATION & HEALTHCARE MONITORING Connecting all aspects of care for better outcomes MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS ACCOMPANIMENT Advocating and providing support every step of the way INSURANCE & MEDICATION COST CONTAINMENT Helping reduce costs and maximize benefits INDEPENDENCE & WELLBEING SUPPORT Promoting quality of life and maintaining independence JUDI SHOR,CMC, ACP 25+ Year Practice Certified Professional Care Manager/Advocate Compassionate guidance. Expert advocacy. 760.271.2284 shorcaresuccessfulaging.com 24/7 Peace of Mind! www.seniorholisticcare.com • Advocacy and Oversight Medical appointments, hospital and rehab center discharges • Family Caregiver Coaching • Senior Housing Options • Aging Solo Programs • Long Term Care Insurance Claims Every senior deserves a champion You don’t have to navigate caregiving alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Kim Linder Founder Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Certified Long Term Care Claims Professional (LTCCP), and a member of the Aging Life Care Association. Book your free 30-minute consultation 760.969.0700 • Palm Desert kim@seniorholisticcare.com seniorholisticcare.com Healing Through Frequencies Continued from page 11 COVID-19. Here We Go. Again. Continued from page 7 After four decades in wellness, I've learned that no single approach holds every answer. Perhaps the future of wellness isn't about discovering one extraordinary solution, but understanding how established practices and emerging approaches might work together. And perhaps healing begins with something beautifully simple: slowing down long enough to listen to our bodies. Susan Dunn is founder of Elements in the Desert. She offers classes in breathwork and bodywork with enhanced frequency-based experiences at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta and can be reached at (760) 831.7292. For more information, visit www.elementsinthedesert.com. Sources: 1) Peng, L., et al. (2020). Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Bone Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Bioelectromagnetics; 2) de Witte, M., et al. (2020). Effects of music interventions on stress-related outcomes: A systematic review and two meta-analyses. Health Psychology Review. Resources for Aging Veteran Benefits By Kim Linder, CSA, GCM, CDP, LTCCP Navigating veteren benefits begins with reliable resources. Many exciting new breakthroughs are in the therapeutics pipeline, such as DNA-based vaccines, that may shape how the world deals with infectious disease threats in the near future. That said, prevention remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health and avoid COVID-19. Prevention Tips: • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or >60% ethanol-based sanitizer • Stay up to date with COVID vaccines and boosters • Avoid close contact with infected people • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow • Improve indoor ventilation • Wear a high-quality mask (KN95 or N95) in crowded indoor settings during periods of high viral spread • Isolate and stay home when sick or symptomatic • High-risk individuals should consult with their healthcare provider about early testing and antiviral medications, especially the newer options. Current CDC guidelines for viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, recommend home isolation until symptoms improve and there is no fever for 24 hours without medication. People are contagious for one to two days before COVID onset and up to eight to 10 days following symptoms. Important: Mask around high-risk individuals for the next five days after returning to normal activities. Because viral pathogens continuously evolve, vaccine formulations are updated at least annually. As always, check with your healthcare provider for vaccine-related concerns and guidance. Refer to the FDA vaccine website for updates and detailed information at: www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines. Judi Shor is a board-certified senior care manager with advanced expertise in geriatric medication therapy. She operates a senior care management practice in the Coachella Valley and can be reached at (760) 271.2284 or www.ShorCareSuccessfulAging.com. Sources: 1) J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2026 Jan 10;16(1):8. doi: 10.1007/s44197-025-00510-x; 2) Fryhofer SA, Garcia AM, Osterholm MT, Walensky RP. Respiratory Season Virus Vaccines: Restoring Confidence and Trust. JAMA. September 2, 2026; 3) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/2026-2027-flu-covid19-rsv-vaccine-recommendations26. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.18338; 4) CDC 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance. Updated November 4, 2025. www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/vaccine-considerations/ routine-guidance.html; 5) Wiegand RE, Chickery S, Yang DH, et al. Interim estimated effectiveness of 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines in adults using a test-negative design. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9;(6):e2625152. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.25152; 6) https://www. cleveland19.com/2026/10/08/doctors-outline-new-vaccine-options-flu-covid-rsv-this-season/; 7) https://www.aafp.org/fpe/2026/569viral-respiratory-infections/covid-19; 8) September 2, 2026. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.18191
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