AUSTIN, Texas -- The country's oldest World War II veteran needs help to afford around-the-clock at-home care.
Richard Overton, who turned 110 last May, wants to continue living in his East Austin home. He built it 70 years ago, right after returning from the war.
Relatives said the veteran's VA benefits don't cover the type of in-home health care Overton wants. They said the VA wants to place Overton in assisted living; Medicare wants him to live the rest of his life in a nursing home.
"We know that would change Richard's heart, that would change his mind, and he for sure would not be as happy," relative Volma Overton, Jr. said. "He just needs to have somebody there to make sure that he does what he needs to do, like take his medicine, and just somebody to be there in case something happens."
They're turning to the public to help fill the gap.
MORE | Family Launches GoFundMe Account
"Especially considering him being 110, his health is actually pretty good," relative Volma Overton, Jr. said. "Richard can do a whole lot of things; it's just that he still needs someone there with him."
Annette Juba, of AGE Central Texas, said finding coverage for seniors like Overton can be difficult.
"Accessing Medicaid benefits, accessing VA benefits, looking for short-term emergency relief--all that is a real challenge for people," she said. "You have got all of your memories--you have got all of your lifetime--right there, so people absolutely want to stay at home."
The family created a GoFundMe account to help cover Overton's 24-hour care costs. They hope to receive $50,000 to cover those needs.