Elderly & Long Term Care
Overview
The VA provides numerous programs to assist elderly veterans and those requiring long-term care. These services span home-based, residential, and nursing home options, with availability depending on clinical need and VA health care enrollment.
Pro Tip: The VA offers nursing home care, assisted living, and home-based care for qualifying veterans. Planning for aging isn't fun, but knowing your options now beats scrambling later.
Key Programs by Category
Home/Community-Based Care
Adult Day Health Care Social activities, peer support, and recreation during daytime hours.
Home Based Primary Care Health care services provided to Veterans in their home for those with complex needs unsuitable for clinic-based care.
Homemaker/Home Health Aide Services Non-nursing caregivers assisting with daily activities under registered nurse supervision.
Hospice Care Comfort-focused care for terminal conditions (less than 6 months prognosis), excluding curative treatment.
Palliative Care Comfort care with a focus on relieving suffering and controlling symptoms while maintaining quality of life.
Respite Care Temporary care allowing family caregivers breaks for errands or travel.
Skilled Home Health Care Short-term post-hospital care including nursing, physical therapy, and wound care.
Remote Monitoring Care Physician/nurse monitoring of medical conditions using home equipment.
Veteran-Directed Care Veterans receive budgets to hire personal care workers for activities of daily living.
Residential Options
Adult Family/Foster Homes Private homes (6 or fewer residents) with 24/7 trained caregivers.
Assisted Living Rented rooms/apartments with 24/7 caregivers assisting with daily activities.
Community Residential Care For veterans unable to live independently due to physical or psychiatric conditions.
Medical Foster Home Non-institutional alternative to nursing homes with 24/7 caregiver supervision and Home Based Primary Care.
Nursing Home Care
Community Living Centers (VA Nursing Homes) Place where Veterans can receive nursing home level of care, which includes help with activities of daily living.
Community Nursing Homes Full-time skilled nursing care available round-the-clock.
State Veterans Homes State-operated facilities providing nursing home, domiciliary, or adult day care services.
Additional Support Programs
- Health & Fitness: Geofit exercise, geriatric evaluation, hearing loss services, physical therapy, recreation therapy
- Memory Care: Alzheimer's/dementia programs, delirium management, brain health resources
- End-of-Life Planning: Advance care planning and decision-making resources
Important Requirements
All options require: - Subject to availability - Veterans meet clinical criteria - Enrollment in VA health care OR eligibility without enrollment
Financial Considerations
Copays
The VA generally does NOT cover residential/nursing home living costs outside required medical care. Veterans may owe copays per VA Publication IB 10-430.
Exempt Groups: - Combined disability rating of 10% or higher - Catastrophically disabled veterans - Low-income/net worth veterans - Specific exposure groups (radiation, Vietnam service, Gulf War, Camp Lejeune, POWs) - Medal of Honor recipients
Important Note: No copays required for hospice care or remote monitoring services.
Increased Compensation
Service-Connected Benefits: - Aid and Attendance (Special Monthly Compensation L, R1/R2) - Housebound designation for 100% rated or combined 60%+ disabilities
Non-Service-Connected: Veterans may qualify for VA Pension with increased Aid and Attendance or housebound benefits.
Application Process
VA Health Care Apply directly through VA.gov health care application.
Extended Care Services 1. Complete VA Form 10-10EC 2. Submit copy with supporting documentation to local VA medical facility Social Work staff
Additional Resources Veterans uncertain about best options should complete VA's Veteran Decision Aid questionnaire before appointments with treatment teams.