Geriatrics and Extended Care
Types of care include hospice care, respite care, domiciliary care, homes and facilities, and long term care.
Hospice Care
Hospice is a comfort based form of care, for individuals who have been diagnosed with a terminal condition, and only have 6 months or less to live. The service entails treatment that relieves suffering and helps control symptoms- using methods that respect an individual’s personal, cultural, and religious beliefs and practices. In addition, they provide grief counseling for your family.
Respite Care
Respite care pays for an individual to come to a Veteran’s home, or for a Veteran to attend a program, to relieve the family caregiver for some time. During this time, the caregiver can run errands or go on vacation without leaving the Veteran alone at home. Respite care is available for up to 30 days a year.
Domiciliary Care
There are two types of Domiciliary Care:
- Short Term Rehabilitation
- Long-term Health Maintenance Care
The program provides a clinically appropriate level of care for homeless Veterans whose health care needs are not serious enough to require more intensive care.
Adult Day Health Care
Adult Day Health Care is a program Veterans can attend for social activities, peer support, companionship, and recreation. This service is provided for veterans who need skilled services, case management, and assistance with daily living. Adult Day Health Care can also provide respite health care for a family caregiver, and help Veterans and their care giver skills to manage the Veteran’s care at home.
Medical Foster Homes
Medical Foster homes are private homes where a trained caregiver provides services to a few individuals. They are an alternative to nursing homes, which generally have more people and are in a more institutionalized setting.
State Veterans Homes
State Veteran Homes are facilities that provide nursing home, domiciliary or adult day care. Eligibility for placement in the homes are based on clinical needs and setting available. In addition, States may have different criteria for placement. Contact your assigned VA social worker or case manager for more information.
Application for Long Term Care
- Complete on paper and apply in person or by mail to your .
- Call VA 877-222-VETS (8387), Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.