Information About Veteran Eldercare

By Kristana Jenson


Searching out eldercare options can be a difficult task. Not only do you have to find a facility that meets your budget, you also need to find a place that offers many types of services you might need. This might include help with daily grooming chores and medication, as well as laundry services, meals and housekeeping. The process becomes a bit more difficult if you are seeking out a care home for veterans. It is important that you know a little bit about veterans' care homes and the process of finding a room or residence at one of the facilities.

While the United States has more than 125 care homes for veterans, this number does not in any way match the amount of need from our veterans. Some states have a greater need than others and California is a state which definitely has a great need for new facilities. At present, there are eight homes in various locations throughout California, including Lancaster, Chula Vista, Barstow, Los Angeles and Ventura in the southern half of the state and Redding and Yountville in the north. There is also a home in Fresno, which is in central California.

The ease of finding a spot varies upon the level of care that is needed. Residents of the homes are placed in three different levels. Some residents do not need any assistance and simply are looking for a place to live. Meal service and some other amenities are offered at this level of care. Assisted living also is available for veterans who don't need constant medical care but do need help with daily tasks such as grooming, dressing and ensuring that medicines are taken on time or perhaps they have some minor difficulties with memory. Nursing home-type care is the third level, and generally it is easier to be placed in a home when you need constant skilled nursing because your need is simply greater than that of other veterans.

Applying for housing is the first step, but you also have to be eligible to apply. This means you must be 55 years of age or older. This age requirement sometimes can be waived if you are disabled, but to live in a California veteran's facility you must be a legal resident of the state. Insurance is another important component of eligibility and you need to be enrolled or in the process of enrolling for insurance. Not all insurance is accepted and your plan must cover care for the long-term. Generally Medicare Part A, B or D is acceptable, as is Medi-Cal. USDVA Health Care and private insurance companies such as Blue Shield or Blue Cross also generally are fine. Of course, you have to show proof of military service and proof of an honorable discharge.

The application is about 12 pages long and has three different sections. The first two are filled out the person applying for the veteran's facility. If the person is not able to complete the forms, a representative can fill out these forms. Section A is where you will put basic information about yourself including your personal information, your marital status, medical information, information about your military service and whether or not you have a criminal record. Section B is simply a form that allows the release of your medical records. Section C must be filled out by your doctor and contains a host of information about any medicines you take, what allergies you might have and what ailments you have as well as your ability to care for yourself independently.

One of the easiest ways to deal with the challenges of the Veteran's Administration might be to go through a service such as CarePlacement.com. They can help you find a facility and answer many of your questions regarding veterans' care. In addition, they also can find other suitable options that might fit into your budget as you wait for a vacancy at a veterans' facility.




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