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.
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I am 70 years old. I am the only caregiver of a 73 year old woman (my wife) with Alzheimer’s. When the time comes, I would be interested in applying for either home health care, or long care living assistance in a VA nursing facility, or something like this. What are the eligibility requirements, and the process for applying for some kind of care with the VA. I am a disabled veteran with 100% disability. Also what states and cities have these facilities, and also what is the waiting list to be able to get access to one of these facilities? Looking forward to a response. Thank you.
Do you know of any places in Joliet Illinois area for a 69 year old peace time vet , with dementia? Has only Social Security $1,000 a month.
Facility he is in now is section 8 which is full of people that rob him. Literally . All doctors agree he needs assisted living but no help placing him.
Because he is a peace time vet.
Doesn’t matter peace or combat…..it is his disability rating or how much money he can spend or the availability of the home you want to put him in. You can google for all the places in your state or go talk to a social worker at his VA clinic or VA hospital.
Had going to main story of the 92 year old Vet was to the testimonial of this five times to Vietnam sailing along with the U.S. Naval 7th Fleet-1972 if was about me or not. On the second time of its use I too found it extra ordinary to the 1 of 2 I got logged into that also took some tries with the help of getting it mission completed.
What old age vet facilities are available in my area, and what does it cost. I now live in St Leonard MD.
Ask google or a social worker at the VA clinic or VA hospital
Any cost of I’m 80% disabled?
Thank you for a great article on long term care. My husband & I recently started toward this journey. As of now I am his main caretaker and all is well. But, he is becoming more anxious. It is reassuring to find articles and information to help manage my own apprehension as far as resources available. Thanks
In this LTF article and the VA Community Living Centers (CLCs) section, the FAQ appear to be current during the pandemic and not for today. Since there is no date on the FAQs, I can’t tell if you still are not permitting visitors to the CLSs.
Great to learn about this program.. I was worried that I may need this later in life with my limited capacity. Thanks VA for putting this info out on line.
Good information about home care for Veterans.
I am so ever grateful and appreciative of all the benefits and care that the Veterans Administration has provided me and to all those who served this great nation. Thank you.
This sounds awesome for anybody that suffers with anything.
Are the spouses of deceased veterans who need assistance with daily living like cooking, laundry, bathing, and help with medications eligible for living in the VA homes or assisted living centers?
Good question. I’d like to see the answer.
The VA has not answered any questions; at least, I have not seen any answers in the comments section. It would be helpful if that were stated.
[Editor: The post’s copy explains where the limited number of hard copies can be found.]
Thank you VERY MUCH to everybody within the VA systems for assisting veterans!!!!
Commenting on the answer of a question already asked . Do you do home care for a surviving spouse of a veteran who was a 100% rated at the time of his death?
My wife and I run an assisted living facility in Belzoni, MS.
How do we get placed on the providers list? I am a retired Navy Veteran.
Can we talk? How’d you do that? Are you part of ADPI?
Do you do in home care for the Surviving spouse of a 100% disabled Veteran that has passed away. She is only in need of maybe 2 visits a week drive her to her appointments.
She is elgible for CHAMPVA. Have you checked with them, to see if the offer any assistance with appointments? Also, make sure she is receiving DIC.
I have the same question. Did you get an ànswer?
Thannk you for all you folks do for veterans!!!