VA Nursing Home Care: Eligibility, Services, and Benefits
We at Nurse Next Door understand the importance of honoring and supporting our veterans. That is why we’re committed to delivering the highest level of care and respect to those who have served our country.
If you’re a veteran needing quality nursing home care, Nurse Next Door can provide comprehensive nursing home care to veterans transitioning from hospital or nursing home back to their own homes. Nurse Next Door is also part of the Community Care Network that connects Veterans with community care providers like Nurse Next Door to ensure they receive timely and high-quality nursing and medical care in the comfort of their own homes.
Read on how the Veterans Affairs (VA) can offer different nursing home care options and how Nurse Next Door can assist veterans throughout their care journey.
What Services Does the VA Offer to the Elderly?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers various services to support the unique needs of elderly veterans, including health care, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The VA offers a range of services and benefits to elderly veterans, including:
- Health care services, such as preventative care, primary care, and specialized medical care.
- Home-based care services, including homemaker and home health aide services, respite care, and palliative care.
- Geriatric and extended care services, including nursing home, hospice, and adult day care.
- Caregiver support services like education and training, counseling, and respite care.
- Veteran-directed care programs allow veterans to self-direct their care and services.
- Transportation services to and from VA medical facilities.
- Mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups.
- Financial support through various benefits and VA programs.
At Nurse Next Door, we can assist veterans with accessing these services and provide additional in-home care and support, including companionship, in-home nursing care, and personal care with activities of daily living. Our goal is to help veterans age comfortably and safely wherever they live to ensure their quality of life as they age.
What Is Nursing Home Care?
Nursing home care is a specialized nursing service that provides multifaceted care, typically 24/7, in the comfort of an individual’s home or in a nursing home or facility.
A registered nurse or licensed practical nurses typically provide nursing home care for individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or a need for intravenous medication and or wound care.
Who is Eligible for Care Within the VA?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, also known as the “VA,” offers health care services, including nursing home care to eligible veterans, including their dependents and surviving spouses.
Eligibility is determined by various factors, including a veteran’s discharge status, period of military service, and any service-connected disability.
Each VA benefit or VA program may have different eligibility requirements. It is recommended to look into each specific benefit or program for more information on what the application entails and eligibility criteria.
Typically, to be eligible for benefits and programs provided to elderly veterans, one must be enrolled in VA Health Care.
You or your loved one may sign up for VA Health Care through the VA website, and need the following information to apply:
- Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents who qualify
- Military discharge papers, such as your DD214 or other separation documents
- Insurance information, including any coverage provided through a spouse or significant other. This includes Medicare, private insurance, or employer-provided insurance.
- Gross household income for the previous calendar year. (Gross household income is the amount earned before taxes and any other deductions).
- Deductible expenses for the past year, such as healthcare and education costs.
Specific Nursing Home Care Clinical Requirements?
You may be eligible for one or more VA services if you’re enrolled in VA health care and require a specific service like nursing home care to assist with your ongoing treatment.
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- The VA must determine that the specific service is necessary for your care.
- The service or available space in a care setting must be located near you.
- Other factors, such as your service-connected disability status or insurance coverage, may also be considered.
You can contact your local VA representative or call us at Nurse Next Door to learn more about accessing these services. We’re happy to help our veterans with the best possible care plan and approach to their long-term care.
Give us a call for more information: 1-877-588-8609
Where Can I Access VA Nursing Home Care?
According to AARP, “87% of people age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age”. This is a concept commonly known as “aging in place.”
1) Nursing Home Care At Home
Many individuals, including veterans, want to age in place, as there are many significant benefits. Benefits to aging in place include:
- Living in familiar surroundings.
- Living in the community they know and love.
- Maintaining usual routines.
- Remaining independent for as long as possible.
Alternatively to hospital stays or nursing care provided in a facility, nursing care delivered at home might be more cost-effective and enjoyable for veterans.
Many in-home nursing services have registered nurses and licensed practical nurses as the main forces on a care team. Our senior personal care services team at Nurse Next Door will select an LPN or RN that suits your personal needs best and create a personalized care plan that addresses a veteran’s unique needs and goals. Every client at Nurse Next Door receives one-on-one care and comfort throughout their nursing home care journey.
The VA doesn’t directly offer nursing care for a veteran at home. However, for veterans who require care as they transition from a hospital or nursing home back to their own homes, Skilled Home Health care is available for a short period of time or available for veterans who have long-term needs in this case. For more information on Skilled Home Health Care, visit the VA website.
The VA has also created a Community Care Network (CCN) that connects care providers like Nurse Next Door with veterans to ensure they receive top-quality nursing care in their own homes. Nurse Next Door is currently assisting veterans in Texas and California and working hard to establish partnerships with VA programs in other regions of the country.
If you or a loved one would like to access Nurse Next Door services as part of your VA program, contact us today, and we will do everything we can to make that happen!
Give us a call for more information: 1-877-588-8609
2) State Veterans Homes
Besides in-home nursing care, other living options are available to veterans who need 24/7 nursing and medical care. One of these living alternatives is known as State Veterans Homes. These facilities are considered nursing homes, domiciliary homes (a home established by the VA that houses low-income veterans who need active clinical rehabilitation and treatment programs), or adult day care centers all in one. These places are actually owned, operated, and managed by state governments.
State Veterans Homes have been around since the post-Civil War era when many states decided to create them to provide shelter and support to disabled and homeless veterans. Even present day, they’re still around and helping veterans across the country.
To learn more about how to apply to State Veterans Homes across the USA, visit the VA website.
3) VA Nursing Homes & Community Living Center
There are over 100 VA Nursing homes and community living centers across America. Community living centers, also known as VA nursing homes, offer veterans short or extended stays depending on their needs and treatments.
These community living centers and VA nursing homes try to encompass a “homey” environment while veterans receive care. Veterans who live in CLCs can expect nursing care, medical treatment, and help with daily living, such as bathing and getting dressed. There are activities for Veterans of all ages and comfortable spaces for family visits.
For more information on how to apply to the VA nursing homes, visit the VA website.
4) Community Nursing Homes
A Community Nursing Home is where veterans can live full-time and get skilled nursing care whenever needed.
The VA has teamed up with community nursing homes across the country to provide nursing care to veterans. These programs are available in many communities so that veterans can get nursing care in their communities and be closer to their families.
For more information on how to apply to a Community Nursing Home, visit the VA website.
5) VA Medical Centers
For emergencies and urgent nursing needs, the VA has what is called “VA Medical Centers” spread throughout the United States. There are over 170 locations that service over 9 million veterans enrolled in VA health care.
A VA medical center can offer traditional hospital outputs like surgeries, urgent and critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology, and physical therapy.
For more information, visit the VA Medical Center website.
How to Pay for VA Nursing Home Care Services?
Some services may be included in your standard health benefits if you’re signed up for VA health care. However, there may be an additional copay for specific programs.
If your care needs go beyond the standard VA health benefits, then you may be able to pay for them through Medicaid, Medicare, or your private insurance.
Each program may be different, so it’s best to research how you will pay for your nursing and medical care going forward.
Honoring and supporting our veterans is a priority at Nurse Next Door, and we provide the best possible care to those we have served.
As the VA offers a variety of nursing home care, Nurse Next Door is also proud to be a part of the VA Community Care Network and care for veterans. We know that aging in place is essential for many veterans, and we can offer comprehensive nursing care to help veterans age comfortably and safely in their homes.
Give us a call toll-free at +1(877) 588-8609 to learn more!
Related Articles:
