Louisiana Veterans Homes Offer Comprehensive Care and Support
– Louisiana operates five state-run veterans homes designed to provide a supportive and comforting environment for those who have served in the military. These homes offer a range of services, from long-term care to rehabilitative therapies, and aim to address the unique needs of veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents.
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs oversees the five homes located in Jackson, Monroe, Bossier City, Reserve, and Jennings. According to the department, each facility strives to create a community where veterans can live alongside their peers while receiving comprehensive care.
Eligibility and Admission
Eligibility requirements for residency are relatively straightforward. Veterans must be honorably discharged and have served a minimum of 90 days of active duty, whether during wartime or peacetime. Spouses of veterans and Gold Star parents are also eligible. Prospective residents are required to complete and submit an admissions application to the veterans home of their choice.
Cost of Care and Financial Assistance
One of the key differentiators between Louisiana’s veterans homes and traditional nursing homes is the cost. Private rates for nursing homes can often exceed $6,000 or $7,000 per month, while veterans homes offer a more affordable option. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher can reside in these homes free of charge. Those with a rating below 70% pay a monthly fee of $2,424, as of the latest information, a figure set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and subject to annual adjustments.
The $2,424 fee can be offset through the application and qualification for federal aid and attendance pension benefits, providing further financial relief for eligible veterans.
Services Offered
The veterans homes provide a wide array of services designed to meet the diverse needs of their residents. These include 24/7 registered nurse (RN) coverage, a full-time pharmacist and pharmacy technician, and a full-time registered dietician. A full-time master’s level social worker is also available to provide support and guidance.
Beyond basic medical care, the homes offer rehabilitative therapies, mental health services, and centralized pharmacy services. Specialized care is also available through memory care wings dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related diagnoses. Veterans Assistance Counselors are on staff to assist residents with navigating their benefits.
A Unique Living Environment
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs emphasizes the importance of creating a unique living environment for veterans. The opportunity to live among fellow service members is a significant benefit, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. The homes aim to provide not just care, but a community where veterans feel understood and supported.
The Department of Veterans Affairs operates these homes with the goal of providing a safe and supportive environment for veterans needing long-term care. The Department of Louisiana’s DAV chapter is committed to supporting veterans beyond the battlefield, offering compassionate, high-quality care to those who have served the nation.
Individuals seeking more information about Louisiana Veterans Homes are encouraged to call 1-877-GEAUX-VA. A medical information sheet is available for download and should be completed by a doctor or nurse prior to submitting an application.
