The process of selecting a care home for a loved one can be challenging. There are many choices, from assisted living communities to skilled nursing facilities to board and care homes. Each of these places provides a different level of care, and you have to make a choice that fits your loved ones physical and emotional needs as well as their budget. If you are searching for an eldercare home specifically for veterans, the process can be even more challenging. If a veteran's home is what you would like to select, here are some tips and some information that might help.
There are more than 130 veterans' homes located throughout the United States. Eight of these homes are located in California, and while it might seem enough homes, the need is far greater than the availability, and many people are placed on wait lists for months or years. In Southern California, there are homes in Barstow, Lancaster, Chula Vista, Los Angeles and Ventura. There are also homes in Fresno, Yountville and Redding.
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 itself has three sections. The first two sections are filled out either by the person who will be living in the veteran's home or by that person's legal representative. In the first section, you fill out several pages of background information about yourself and the second section authorizes the disclosure of your medical information. The remaining section must be taken to your primary care physician and filled out by the doctor. It includes descriptions of any medical conditions you may have as well as what medicines currently are being prescribed to you. The doctor also will answer questions about your capacity of self-care and whether or not you are able to manage all of your medicines independently.
To start the whole process of selecting a veterans' care home, it might be wise to contact an eldercare placement service like CarePlacement.com. These types of companies specialize in matching seniors to suitable eldercare homes and facilities. They can be quite helpful as you navigate the maze of the Veteran's Administration. If you are placed on a wait list for a veteran's home, they also might be able to help find a suitable assisted living situation while you are waiting.
There are more than 130 veterans' homes located throughout the United States. Eight of these homes are located in California, and while it might seem enough homes, the need is far greater than the availability, and many people are placed on wait lists for months or years. In Southern California, there are homes in Barstow, Lancaster, Chula Vista, Los Angeles and Ventura. There are also homes in Fresno, Yountville and Redding.
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 itself has three sections. The first two sections are filled out either by the person who will be living in the veteran's home or by that person's legal representative. In the first section, you fill out several pages of background information about yourself and the second section authorizes the disclosure of your medical information. The remaining section must be taken to your primary care physician and filled out by the doctor. It includes descriptions of any medical conditions you may have as well as what medicines currently are being prescribed to you. The doctor also will answer questions about your capacity of self-care and whether or not you are able to manage all of your medicines independently.
To start the whole process of selecting a veterans' care home, it might be wise to contact an eldercare placement service like CarePlacement.com. These types of companies specialize in matching seniors to suitable eldercare homes and facilities. They can be quite helpful as you navigate the maze of the Veteran's Administration. If you are placed on a wait list for a veteran's home, they also might be able to help find a suitable assisted living situation while you are waiting.
About the Author:
Kristana Jenson enjoys reading home health care blogs. For additional information about assisted living San Marcos facilities or for expert help finding board and care Rancho San Diego services, please check out the CarePlacement.com website today.
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