The VA Health Care System has expanded their Geriatric and Extended Care Services for Veterans. The Guide to the programs is called The Guide to Long Term Services and Supports, LTSS, and provides information on services within the VA Health Care System and the Outside Community. To access the services the Veteran or Veteran’s Family Member should contact the Social Worker at the Veteran’s VA Medical Center.

There are three areas of Geriatric service provided by the VA for Veterans who qualify:

  1. Home and Community Based Services: This service is part of the VA Medical Benefits Package and allows the Veteran to remain in their home despite their illness or disability. Veterans must have a clinical need for services and the service must be available in the Veterans location. Services may be prioritized based on the Veteran’s level of VA service connected disability.
    • Adult Day Health Care
    • Home Based Primary Care
    • Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care
    • Hospice and Palliative Care
    • Program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE)
    • Respite Care
    • Skilled Home Health Care
    • Telehealth Care
    • Veteran Directed Care
  2. Residential Setting Services: Programs are for Veterans who do not need a hospital or nursing home care but are unable to reside alone and have no family to provide care. The facilities are inspected and approved by the VA medical center staff and selection is by the Veteran’s choice.
    • Community Residential Care Settings (CRC)
    • Adult Family Homes
    • Assisted Living
    • Medical Foster Homes
  3. Nursing Home Services:   Veterans must meet eligibility criteria involving service connected status, level of disability, and income. To apply use VA Form 10-10EC “Application for Extended Care Benefits” and follow the directions. The form is available at the VA address: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-10EC-fill.pdf
    • Community Living Centers (VA Nursing Homes)
    • Community Nursing Homes
    • State Veteran Homes