According to the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), there are more than 835,000 Americans who reside in assisted living facilities. Many of these residents are Veterans. Those who were injured in the line of duty may be unable to live independently. If they are disabled, they need help with daily activities.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) explains what kind of assistance is available on its website. While the VA will not pay their rent, the agency “may pay for some of the extra services the Veteran may need in an Assisted Living Facility.” For example, the VA can arrange for a nurse to visit and give extra care. This is in addition to what many Assisted Living facilities already provide (e.g. bathing, dressing, meals, etc.).
As far as eligibility, the VA bases that on clinical need and availability.
“One of the common challenges that were voiced was finding proper care options for veterans who are living with disabilities,” says Julie Constance with AssistedLiving.org. That organization is working to raise more awareness about the options and benefits available to Veterans. AssistedLiving.org says the VA “offers increased pensions to pay for assisted living care.” A Veteran can either “obtain obtain an assisted living benefit from the VA or apply for residency in a veteran’s home.”
Assisted Living benefits from the VA include:
- Aid & Attendance and Household
- Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services
There are also Veterans Homes & Assisted Living Facilities, such as the following.
- Community Living Centers
- Armed Forces Retirement Home
- State Veterans Home
You can read more about the Assisted Living benefits and eligibility requirements for Veterans by clicking this link.
