One of the residential resources we don't hear much about is state veterans homes. State homes are established and run by the various states for the benefit of their military veterans. These homes may provide nursing home care, "domiciliary care," (governmentalese for what we typically call "assisted living"), adult day health care, and nursing home care including rehabilitation services and hospice care.

A State home is owned and operated by the state in which it is located. The VA provides financial assistance both to construct the facility and by contributing a portion of the daily cost of care.

Eligibility for a state veterans home varies by state. Typically, however, any honorably discharged veteran who is a state resident will be eligible. In some states members of the National Guard are also eligible. Veterans with service-related disabilities usually have preference.

Depending on space available, spouses and surviving spouses may also receive care in a state veterans home.

State Veterans Homes receive some state and federal funding to help defray the daily cost of the care they provide. However, this funding does not completely cover the cost of care. Residents pay for care in a veterans home using the same resources they would use in a "civilian" facility: private funds, long-term care insurance, Medicare (for short-term rehabilitation stays), and Medicaid. During the admission process most veterans are evaluated to determine any eligibilityfor additional veterans' benefits.

There is no requirement that a veteran use a VA doctor or give up his or her relationship with a private physician. Residents are free to continue receiving care from their own physician(s), or they can transfer their care to an attending physician at the residence.

Like everything else, there are some really excellent State Veterans Homes, and some not so good ones. Because they accept Medicare and Medicaid, you will find your state homes rated on the Medicare.gov website along with all the other nursing homes in your state. Along with Medicare and Medicaid, these homes are also surveyed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs every year. The State home is required to meet VA standards in order to continue to receive per diem payments from VA.

Because the excellent homes provide such good care many of them have waiting ists. Because admission is on a space available basis, if you are interested it would be a good idea to pay your chosen facility a visit and get your parent's name on their waiting list if they have one. Most homes will permit you to stay on the waiting list and "pass" if you're not ready to move when they call.

To locate your State Veterans Homes you can use the VA directory of State Department of Veterans Affairs websites. Most of these state sites have information about their State Veterans Homes. Social workers at your closest VA medical center can also  provide information about State Veterans Homes.