What is a State Veterans Home?
State Veterans Homes are facilities that provide nursing home, domiciliary or adult day care. They are owned, operated and managed by state governments. They date back to the post-Civil War era when many states created them to provide shelter to homeless and disabled Veterans.
To participate in the State Veterans Home program, VA must formally recognize and certify a facility as a State Veterans Home. VA then surveys all facilities each year to make sure they continue to meet VA standards.
VA does not manage State Veterans Homes.
Am I eligible for a State Veterans Home?
Your eligibility for State Veterans Homes is based on clinical need and setting availability.
Each State establishes eligibility and admission criteria for its homes.
Some State Veterans Homes may admit non-Veteran spouses and gold star parents while others may admit only Veterans.
A recognized State Veterans Home may receive payments from VA to help defray the cost of care provided to Veterans. The cost to you varies by state. VA does not pay for care for non-Veterans.
Talk with a VA social worker about the eligibility requirements of State Veterans Homes near you and to figure out a plan for paying for State Veterans Home care services.
Find out more by visiting the Paying for Long Term Care section of this website.
What services can I get?
Each State Veterans Home provides nursing home, domiciliary or adult day health care. The State Veterans Home may also provide more than one of these services.
State Veterans Homes are in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Some states have more than one State Veterans Home.
How do I decide if a State Veterans Home is right for me?
Thinking about moving into a State Veterans Home is an important decision for you and your family.
You can use a Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community to help you figure out what home care services or long term care services may best meet your needs now or in the future.
There's also a Caregiver Self-Assessment. It can help your caregiver identify their own needs and decide how much support they can offer to you. Having this information from your caregiver, along with the involvement of your care team and social worker, will help you reach short-term and long-term care decisions.
Ask your social worker for these resources or download copies from the Making Decisions page at www.va.gov/Geriatrics.
If a State Veterans Home seems right for you, your VA social worker can help you locate one and assist with making arrangements.