Long-term care facilities enhance lives of Veterans

VA provides quality, thoughtful, long-term care services to over 500,000 Veterans, from those with traumatic brain injuries to those who need assistance with daily tasks in their older age. VA’s long-term care options give Veterans tailored support and help them maintain their independence. 

As Veterans age or experience illnesses that impact their daily routines, they may require additional care, such as 24/7 nursing and medical care, physical therapy, daily task assistance, or comfort care and help with pain management. VA has fully equipped facilities and trained staff to help when life becomes a bit more difficult.

At 98, World War II Army Veteran James Greenwood is someone who has valued independence his entire life. When he started to slow down last year, he realized it was okay to ask for help and moved into Sierra Nevada VA’s Community Living Center (CLC). Although it may be hard at times for him to depend on people, Greenwood is now living a more fulfilled life with the help of the care team.

“At my age, I sometimes have trouble standing up by myself, but the staff helps me with daily tasks that had become harder to do on my own,” Greenwood shared.

Greenwood continues his love of trying new things in the CLC. He experienced the thrill of riding a motorcycle via the new virtual reality immersive experience, “Take Me Home.” This innovative technology, supported by the Spark-Seed-Spread Innovation Program, allows him to live his life to the fullest.

VA long-term care

There are many types of VA long-term care options, including Community Living Centers, nursing homes, assisted-living centers and in-home support to meet the needs of any Veteran considering long-term care.

A few of the main types of live-in long-term care facilities include:

VA Community Living Centers (CLCs)

CLCs are meant to enhance the lives of the Veterans who live there. CLCs are VA-owned and -operated facilities where Veterans can receive nursing home level of care, including help with daily living—like bathing and getting dressed—and skilled medical care. Veterans of any age may stay for a short time or for the rest of their lives. They are encouraged to make these places feel like home by decorating their rooms, participating in a range of meaningful activities and bringing their pets.

Learn more about CLCs and eligibility, offered in over 130 locations throughout the country.

Community Nursing Homes

VA works with community nursing homes around the country to provide care for Veterans 65 years and older. Veterans can live full-time in these facilities and receive skilled nursing care at any time of day or night. The Community Nursing Home program positively impacts many communities so Veterans can receive care near their homes and families. Learn more about Community Nursing Homes and talk with a VA social worker about your eligibility. 

State Veteran Homes

Although not directly managed by VA, State Veterans Homes provide nursing homes, domiciliary or adult day care to Veterans in need. To participate in the State Veterans Home program, VA must formally recognize and certify a facility as a State Veterans Home. VA then surveys all facilities each year to ensure they meet VA standards. The National Association of State Veterans Homes maintains a directory of VA-qualified State Veterans Homes as well.

VA also offers other home and community-based services to support eligible Veterans and their caregivers, such as Skilled Home Care and Adult Day Health Care Centers. Caregivers who are interested in learning about these services should call VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or contact their Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC) for more information.

VA remains committed to enhancing long-term care through innovative research and compassionate support for Veterans like Greenwood. We look forward to continuing our work to ensure Veterans can enjoy their later years with dignity and the highest quality of care.

It’s never too late to apply for the VA health care you’ve earned. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who has not yet applied for their VA health care benefits, learn how to get started.