Understanding Veterans Administration (VA) Nursing Homes

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Added: Thu. Sep 10, 2009 2:57pm
Posted in: Aging

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How does the government accommodate armed services veterans. Generally, if the veteran has the ability to pay and does not have a serious service-connected disability there isn’t much the government is going to do for them. Below is a general outline of what is available to a senior veteran and who normally qualifies. The best information source for starters is the link provided at the end of this article.

A number of retirement and long-term treatment facilities are available to veterans. Most veterans’ retirement homes are free to residents, although some do ask for payments. Because of long waiting lists, priority for admission to these special retirement facilities generally goes to those who face the greatest financial hardships. However, geriatric veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 70 percent or higher, as well as veterans in need of nursing home care for a service-related condition, are considered mandatory placements in VA nursing homes and are provided free care.

If space is available other veterans may be eligible on a case-by-case basis with priority given to senior veterans with service-connected conditions. All other veterans who are usually subject to co-payments also may be considered for nursing home care, although placement options vary by location.

The VA nursing home program includes VA-operated nursing home care units, contract community nursing homes and state homes. VA contracts with approximately 2,500 community nursing homes and operates 136 other nursing home care units in 47 states.

To learn more about VA nursing home options for seniors who are armed services veterans please visit this website, http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg , The Office of Geriatrics & Extended Care for the Department of Veterans.

by Tom Ratcliff, www.NSLPN.com