Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Senior Veterans Care Network August Blog Posts


Brothers on the battlefield: Vietnam veterans who lost contact for 43 years reunite in northwest Iowa
ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa — The year was 1967. Lyndon B. Johnson was president, the Green Bay Packers won the Super... View More

Posted on 08/27/2019
92-year-old World War II veteran becoming a dancing sensation in Richmond: ‘He’s a Casanova’
"> With every step, turn and twirl, Angelo Ricco is living proof that age is just a number. He saw a... View More

Posted on 08/26/2019
Seventy-five years later, World War II veterans say: Never forget
PARIS — Seventy-five years ago, they helped free Europe from the Nazis. This weekend, U.S. veterans are back...View More

Posted on 08/25/2019
98-year-old WWII veteran who still works at grocery store gets surprise birthday party from coworkers
Bartholomeo "Bennie" Ficeto is turning 98 years old this week, but he's not interested in retiring.... View More

Posted on 08/22/2019
Wisconsin Korean War vet's family asks for 91st birthday cards. It might be his last hooah
KEWAUNEE - Ed Engle's family would like you to send Ed a birthday card, even if you don't know him. Engle...View More

Posted on 08/20/2019
Understanding Veterans Homes: Breaking Down Costs and Eligibility
Understanding Veterans Homes: Breaking Down Costs and Eligibility More than nine million veterans are...View More



Posted on 08/20/2019
Rostraver Eat’n Park waiter serves up simple act of kindness to WWII veteran
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle. Or so the saying goes. On Saturday evening, Lisa Meilander... View More


A life worth fighting for: WWII veteran will turn 100 this month
O n average, 372 World War II veterans die each day. In September 2018, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs...View More

Posted on 08/16/2019
‘Last man’ from Stillwater-area WWII veterans club dies at 100
Jean DeCurtins, the last surviving member of a Stillwater-area war veterans club, died Wednesday at 100. For the...View More

Posted on 08/15/2019
Korean War veteran receives his high school diploma 69 years later
Charles Theodore Horn was a Sunday school teacher in the 1970s. A humble community leader and a man of character and... View More

Posted on 08/14/2019
Late Korean War veteran to arrive home in Ashland Wednesday
ASHLAND, WI — A special homecoming 70 years in the making will be celebrated in Ashland on Wednesday. U.S....View More

Posted on 08/13/2019
Veteran Reunited With Dog Tag Lost During WWII's Pacific War
A 97-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Bismarck has been reunited with a dog tag he lost in Papua New Guinea while serving... View More

Posted on 08/12/2019
World War Two Utah Beach D-Day veteran awarded France’s highest honor
Winfred C. Polzin, a long time resident of Braham, has been awarded The Légion of Honour from France for...View More

Posted on 08/09/2019
11 brothers share 158 cumulative years of US military service
"> TUNICA, Miss. - The sons of Ben and Hattie Davis give special meaning to the term "band... View More

Posted on 08/08/2019
3-war veteran celebrates 100th birthday in Sacramento
A Natomas veteran celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday. Retired master sergeant Nathan Allen Jr. served in three... View More

Posted on 08/07/2019
WWII Veteran Oldest Working Man in Texas Plans To Return To Work After Injury
DALLAS,   Chester Hollingsworth, the Dallas area centenarian known as “The Oldest Working Man in Texas”,...View More

Posted on 08/06/2019
World War II Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday At Delaware Valley Veteran’s Home
">  PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A very special birthday celebration was held on Monday at the Delaware... View More

Posted on 08/05/2019
Last living witness to Germany's '45 surrender is from East Aurora
East Aurora native and World War II veteran Luciano “Louis” C. Graziano is believed to be the last living...View More

Posted on 08/02/2019
World War II vet to celebrate 100th birthday Monday
Carl Lingenfelter remembers sitting on his grandfather’s lap as a young boy listening to his stories about fighting...View More

Monday, August 19, 2019

Senior Veterans Care Network Featured Locations

Search for VA Benefit assistance - Aid & Attendance, Veterans Home Care, Veterans Homes in the following cities:

Reno, NV
Houston, TX

For more information visit Senior Veterans Care Network.

Understanding Veterans Homes: Breaking Down Costs and Eligibility

Understanding Veterans Homes: Breaking Down Costs and Eligibility







More than nine million veterans are served each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Yet there are over 18.2 million veterans in the country. This means there is an increasing number of veterans in need of care.
There are a lot of reasons to consider veterans' homes if you are a veteran needing care or looking for an assisted living environment. These state-run homes offer a familiar crowd of brethren whom you can share a special comradery with.
Still, there's a lot to understand when it comes to eligibility and costs for these homes. But we can help!
Are you wondering about how veterans' homes work? Learn about the costs and eligibility requirements of veterans' homes in this guide.

What Are Veterans' Homes?

These are owned, operated, and run by the state government and are places for veterans to stay for special care. They act as nursing homes, domiciliary, or adult daycare.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans' homes first became established in the post-civil war era. They were a much-needed reprieve for many soldiers who had returned from the war at that time. Disabled and homeless war vets were welcomed into these sanctuaries.
Nowadays veterans' homes can be difficult to get into. Often there are long waiting lists and it can take multiple weeks or even months to be accepted into a home. Still, it is a great way for veterans to share time together in their final years.
Veterans' homes tend to be more male-dominant and this creates an atmosphere of brotherhood. It also means certain scheduled activities can be expected at veterans' homes such as fishing and other sporting hobbies that you wouldn't find at regular nursing homes.

Meet the Veterans Affairs Standards

While Veterans' Homes are not run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, they still must meet certain standards. Every year the VA surveys these facilities to be sure they meet VA regulations. Ultimately it is the VA that must formally certify a state veterans' home.
The reason for these regulations is due to the fact that Veterans' Homes may be assisted by VA Benefits to cover certain medical care for patients living there. They receive these payments based on the patient's eligibility, need, as well as other qualifications. 
They will only receive these payments if they meet all VA standards. 

Veterans' Homes May Differ

Since these homes are state-run they don't all have the same eligibility requirements. Some homes will only accept veterans others will also accept spouses and Gold Star family members into their care.
All Veterans' homes must also be certified nursing homes and meet the requirements at the state and federal level. It's important that these homes are meeting the quality expectations of any caretaking facility. The VA upholds this certification through its annual survey.
The homes could be licensed as either acute care or long-term facilities. These homes may also be assisted living facilities that provide a more independent lifestyle. It all depends on what services they provide. 

Cost for Admission Varies

There are certain requirements to be let into a veterans' home but these can vary slightly. In addition, there's no one set cost for admission into one of these homes. It can vary depending on the facility and state.
Generally, the veteran is expected to have been honorably discharged or at least a discharge that was not dishonorable. You will also need a doctor's referral or something similar to prove that you are in need of the home's care.
They may have you provide additional forms of documentation including medical records, VA letters of disability or eligibility for disability pay. It's important that you speak with the veterans' homes in your area directly to determine their requirements. You can also talk with a VA social worker or case manager to determine your eligibility.
Your residency may also be an issue. Depending on the facility, they may require you to be a resident of that state. Others may not.
Unfortunately, the cost of treatment and care can vary greatly for each veteran depending on their particular situation. For example, the state home may require a payment that comes from the patient's pension or compensation to cover the maintenance fees of the facility.
You may be responsible for all, some, or none of these costs depending on the location, demand, and your individual situation.

Enroll in the VA Healthcare System

The Department of Veterans Affairs does offer some ways that veterans can get help with the costs of this care. It requires them to be enrolled in the VA Healthcare System.
You can also use other medical insurance along with Medicaid or Medicare, which are federal and state programs, to help you cover the costs. The VA's assistance with medical care is going to come down to a few factors including the ability to pay, need, eligibility, and VA disability rating.
In some cases, Medicaid may be a better option for veterans who face payments at veterans' homes. With the increasing demand for veterans' homes and the growing costs, these facilities are not always the most economical choice.
In addition, sometimes the location is an issue. Sometimes the nearest veterans' home is located far from family and friends. This is another reason why a nursing home might prove to be the better option.
However, in some cases, veterans' homes are the best option financially. Especially if a veteran does not wish to use Medicaid because he or she wishes to hold on to assets for family. There are also pension benefits that apply only to veterans in state homes that are worth looking into.
Any benefits from VA that do apply to the veteran are not available to spouses or Gold Star families.

Thank you for Your Service

There's a lot to consider when deciding if a veterans' home is right for you or someone you care about. We hope this guide has helped you get one step closer to figuring out your best choice.
You deserve the most amazing care for your service to our great nation. If you'd like to learn more about veterans' homes near you, visit our site for more information.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Senior Veterans Care July Blog Posts

World War II soldier's bracelet to be returned to daughter

MIDDLEBURG, Pa. (AP) — A bracelet that belonged to a soldier from Pennsylvania killed during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II will be returned to his daughter.An...
Posted 07/25/2019
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‘A beautiful tribute': Thousands attend funeral of Vietnam veteran with no surviving relatives

">NILES, Mich. - Around 3,000 people attended the funeral in Michigan of a Vietnam veteran with no surviving relatives, in what the funeral home called “a beautiful tribute.” Wayne...
Posted 07/24/2019
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Vietnam veterans honor a fallen soldier 50 years later

Chester, Illinois — At a cemetery in Illinois, Perry Dotson is 50 years late for the funeral of Army Pfc. Leonard Nitzsche. Lt. Dotson was Leonard's platoon leader in Vietnam,...
Posted 07/22/2019
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Las Vegas woman, a WWII veteran, makes her pitch at age 95

In something of an anomaly, many good pitches were made at Las Vegas Ballpark on Wednesday night when the Aviators edged the Reno Aces 3-2.But it was universally agreed the best pitch...

Thirty World War II veterans honored at Detroit airport before trip to National WWII Museum

">DETROIT  - With red lipstick peppered around his cheeks and a glassy reflection in his eyes, any attempt by Richard McLaughlin to conceal an emotional response was in...

Hundreds attend funeral for Vietnam veteran with few friends, family

MADISON, Ind. (WTHR) - A funeral home in southern Indiana and hundreds of mourners paid respects to a Vietnam veteran that not many of them knew Tuesday.When a Jefferson County funeral...
Posted 07/17/2019
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Decades after service, 100K Vietnam veterans will get benefits they’ve been fighting for

">WASHINGTON DC (NEXSTAR) – Decades after their service, nearly 100,000 Vietnam veterans will be able to get the benefits they’ve been fighting for.President Donald...

98-year-old World War 2 veteran receives Purple Heart

DEARBORN, Mich. - A local Marine corporal is finally getting his long overdue Purple Heart award.Anthony Procassini, 98, was honored in Dearborn. He said he still vividly remembers...

Korean War Veteran Honored at Memorial Service

Eureka, Ca.  – A memorial service was held today for Korean War veteran Sargent Elden Justus of Arcata. Justus was killed in action back in 1950, but his remains were not...
Posted 07/12/2019
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