There are a variety of programs to help veteran and their families who need long term care, both in the home and in nursing facilities.
Do veterans have special options for nursing home care?
Yes. Veterans have additional opportunities for nursing home care that are not available to the general population. Here are three types of nursing home care available to veterans in and around Vermont.
Vermont Veterans Home
The State of Vermont operates a 177 bed nursing home in Bennington. Veterans, their spouses, and gold star parents are eligible to stay at the home. The home provides a full range of care, including skilled nursing home care, and accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Veterans without Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance will have to pay for their care, but the home’s staff will help make sure all available insurance programs are used if the individual is eligible.
- Vermont Veterans Home - (802) 442-6353
VA Nursing Homes
Veterans who are 70% service-connected disabled or higher can stay at nursing homes operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs free of charge. The closest VA operated nursing home is in North Hampton, Massachusetts. We recommend veterans discuss this option with theirPrimary Care Provider at the VA.
Community Nursing Home Care Paid for by VA
Veterans who are 70% service-connected disabled or higher can stay at some community nursing homes free of charge, as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will pay for their care. We recommend veterans discuss this option with their Primary Care Provider at the VA.
Are programs available to help veterans stay in their homes?
Yes. Below are two types of programs that can help veterans stay in their homes instead of going to a nursing home.
Aid and Attendance
Disabled veterans, and possibly their spouses depending on the circumstances, can receive Aid and Attendance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs if they have the needs described below:
- They require the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in every day living.
- They are bedridden.
- They are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
- They are blind or nearly blind.
The benefit provides monthly financial assistance which can be used to pay for care. Applications can be made directly with a VA benefits office, but we recommend retaining a trained and accredited service officer to help with the application.
- VA Nationwide Benefits Number - (800) 827-1000
- White River Junction VA Regional Office - (802) 296-5177
- American Legion Veteran Service Officer (White River Junction) - (802) 296-5166
- Disabled American Veterans Veteran Service Officer (White River Junction) - (802) 296-5167
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Veteran Service Officer (White River Junction) - (802) 296-5168
- State of Vermont Veteran Service Officer Program (Statewide) - (888) 666-9844
Home and Vehicle Modification
Disabled veterans can also have their homes or vehicles modified to accommodate their disabilities. Visit the Home and Vehicle Modification page to learn about these programs.
Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities Should Have them Identified Before they Need Care
As can be seen by the above information, many of the long term care resources are available only to disabled veterans. More specifically, these resources are available only to veterans who receive Disability Compensation. Because applications for Disability Compensation typically take at least six months, it’s important for veterans with service-connected disabilities to apply before they need care. Visit the Disability Compensation page to learn more about this program and how to apply for it.