Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides home-based primary care, services provided by a qualified care specialist in the veteran’s own home. The VA also provides 24-hour care and supervision by skilled nurses and nursing aides at community living centers (CLC) for veterans who can’t be cared for at home. However, more support and services are needed for veterans whose required level of care falls between intermittent home-based supportive services and an extended care skilled nursing facility.
Assisted living services can benefit veterans with conditions, such as a moderate traumatic brain injury, who may need help with daily care, but not as much help as a nursing home or CLC provides. Assisted living residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. They have access to supportive services, including up to three meals a day; assistance with personal care; help with medications, housekeeping and laundry; access to 24-hour on-site staff; and generally, some social and recreational activities.
H.R. 1815/S. 495, the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act, would require the VA to implement a three-year pilot program (with the opportunity for an additional three years) to provide assisted living services in no fewer than six geographically diverse areas. Veterans who would be eligible to participate are those who are already receiving nursing home level care paid for by the VA, are eligible for such care from the VA, or exceed the requirements for domiciliary care paid for by the VA but do not meet the requirements for nursing home level care paid for by the VA.
