Honoring Service
Assisted living offers older veterans a sense of community and the necessary support to manage their everyday lives with dignity. Veteran Americans over 50 use government-funded living facilities to assist them in their golden years. These assisted living options vary widely to cater to differing needs.
In this article, we will explore the different types of assisted living options for veterans over 50, discuss state funding for assisted living and look at options available for those who require a higher level of care.
Types of Assisted Living Options for Veterans Over 50
1. Medical Foster Homes (MFHs)
Medical foster homes are private homes where a caregiver provides services to a few individuals. Some veterans opt for this type of care when they need nursing home-level care, but prefer a non-institutional setting with fewer residents. MFH caregivers are trained to offer 24-hour care and supervision, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management and coordination with VA healthcare providers for home-based treatment plans.
2. Assisted Living Homes
Assisted living facilities are residential options that provide personal care and assistance with ADLs like bathing, dressing and medication management. These facilities may also offer social activities, transportation, meals and various amenities to residents. Each facility varies in the level of care provided, so veterans should choose one that best matches their needs.
3. Community Living Centers (CLCs)
Community Living Centers, run by the VA, offer a dynamic environment similar to a home, designed to meet the needs of veterans with a range of care requirements, including chronic stable conditions, rehabilitation, hospice and respite care. CLCs provide skilled nursing and supportive care on both a short-term and long-term basis, depending on the veteran’s needs.
4. Community Nursing Homes
The VA contracts with community nursing homes to provide care to veterans. These are traditional nursing homes that offer around-the-clock skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. All community nursing homes working with the VA must meet the same stringent criteria that VA-operated nursing homes do.
5. Retirement Homes
Veterans who seek less medical-oriented assistance might consider retirement homes or independent living facilities. These communities are designed for relatively independent individuals but might need some assistance with daily living activities. These facilities often offer meals, recreational activities and transportation services in a communal living setting.
6. State Veterans Homes
State veterans homes are facilities that provide nursing or adult day care, domiciliary and assisted living. Though they are not federally owned, they are officially recognized and partially funded by the VA. To be eligible for care in these homes, veterans generally must have service-connected disabilities, be indigent or require the level of care provided.
State Funding for Assisted Living for Veterans Over 50
State funding for veteran-assisted living facilities varies from state to state. Through VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance, veterans who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may receive additional monetary benefits.
Additionally, the VA provides a per diem to state veterans homes that can go towards offsetting the cost of care for veterans. State funding and subsidies can also help cover the costs of living in state veterans homes and other state-specific aid programs may be available for eligible veterans. Veterans should contact their state’s Department of Veterans Affairs, or similar organizations, to learn more about the specific funding options available to them.
Veteran Care Options for Higher Levels of Care
For veterans requiring higher levels of care, the VA offers a more intensive suite of services to cater to their needs.
Home health aides: The VA provides home health aide services for veterans who need personal care services. These aides can assist veterans with ADLs, enabling them to live independently in their own homes.
Home-based primary care: Home-based primary care is a program designed for veterans with complex healthcare needs for whom routine clinic-based care isn't effective. In this model, a team of healthcare professionals works together to provide care to the veteran in their home.
Palliative care: Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. This type of care is offered alongside curative or other treatments the veteran may be receiving.
Respite care: Respite care provides temporary relief to those who are caring for family members. The veteran may be cared for in the caregiver's home, in a healthcare facility or an adult day care center.
Hospice care: Hospice care is for veterans in the final phase of a terminal illness. It emphasizes quality of life and comfort care rather than curative treatments. Hospice care can be provided at home, in a hospice center or other care facilities.
Supporting Those Who Served
Veterans over 50 have a range of assisted living options to choose from, depending on their needs and preferences. Veterans and their loved ones need to research each option thoroughly, understand the benefits and services offered and consult with VA representatives to make the most of the resources available for them. With proper care and support, veterans can enjoy their later years with honor and dignity.