If you know anything about veteran's benefits/insurance as relates to assisted living

[Anonymous]

My FIL is 96, and although he's a Navy vet, he should be an Army vet because he is stubborn as a mule! (said with equal parts frustration, admiration and love) He has two sons, both living far away. He insists on living at home by himself in Virginia. We live in the West, and have managed to get someone to check on him every day, and drive him as necessary.

Last week, he fell and could not get up (no, he won't wear the alert) until the person checked in on him found him, and took him to a hospital. He's now in a V.A. rehab.

My SIL and I have tried to stay out of it and let the guys handle it, but as a consequence we don't really know the military system. Last week I noted that the guys, although well-meaning, weren't as proactive as (imo) they should have been when FIL was in the hospital and at one point I needed to jump in. Because of that, I think I should probably learn a little bit about the system so I can be helpful instead of clueless when the next situation arises.

For example, my SIL asked me if the V.A. covers assisted living and I don't know.

Can someone here please tell me if there is a good overview of the system, so we know a little bit about the process, and what is covered?

[Anonymous]

OP, here is a starting point for information on the VA's site: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/long-term-care/ I don't have direct experience but that looks like a good roundup of info and contact numbers to get more info.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Look up V.A. aid & attendance benefits. Depending on his service he may be eligible. It applies to surviving spouses in some situations.

We found out about it very late in the game but it made the difference between my late aunt going to an awful nursing home versus a simple but beautiful assisted living home.

[Anonymous]

https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

[Anonymous]

Don’t be deterred by “housebound” in the above link- it covers care out of the home, too.

[Anonymous]

Being that he's in a va rehab, there should be a va social worker there, likely he has a social worker assigned to him. I'd call the facility and ask to speak to them. Undoubtedly they are going to do discharge planning. My assumption (it's only an assumption) is that the plan would be discharge to a LTF long term facility of which va has some and contracts with others.

But, call the rehab.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Being that he's in a va rehab, there should be a va social worker there, likely he has a social worker assigned to him. I'd call the facility and ask to speak to them. Undoubtedly they are going to do discharge planning. My assumption (it's only an assumption) is that the plan would be discharge to a LTF long term facility of which va has some and contracts with others.

But, call the rehab.

This, but also put in a call to the Veterans Service Officer in the county he lives in - they are much better informed of all the benefits available to your FIL and their help is free. (My DH is retired Army/Disabled Vet who uses VA benefits/health care).