We did it for my MIL. Basically once they have under $2500, then you can apply for state long term care medicaid that will cover it. If the current nursing home takes medicaid, they will probably keep him medicaid pending after his money runs out. They will take all but $75 of his social security check and other income so by clothing and other future things he needs now (i.e furniture for nursing home, tv, anything to make him comfortable). We didn't find much help anywhere. We cared for her for 6 months in our home but it was too much for me.
There are a few VA nursing homes as well as some type of financial assistance monthly but it isn't much.
http://www.va.gov/geriatrics/guide/longtermcare/Paying_for_Long_Term_Care.asp