Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Navigating The Complex World Of Veteran's Administration 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 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.




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