Here are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding assistance for vets with Alzheimer's or dementia:
Question: My father is a veteran of World War II and has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. What services does the VA provide for persons with dementia, and how do we apply for them?
Answer: Your father may be entitled to:
Services. Eligible veterans with dementia who seek care from the VA participate in the full range of health care services including in-home, community-based, outpatient, and inpatient acute care and extended care services. Services may include:
- Home based primary care: Homemaker/home health aide, respite, adult day health care, outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital, nursing home, or hospice care.
- In addition to general care for veterans with dementia in VA outpatient and inpatient settings, some VA facilities have developed specialized dementia care programs such as an outpatient Dementia Clinic or an inpatient Dementia Unit.
Application. There are no separate VA eligibility criteria for dementia. The standard eligibility criteria and application process should be followed.
- Enroll the veteran for VA medical services. Call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387), or complete an online enrollment application form, or call your nearest VA Medical Center or VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic and ask for an enrollment coordinator.
- Talk with a patient care coordinator (usually a social worker) at the VA facility of your choice to determine what services are appropriate and available for your situation. Depending on the enrolled veteran’s priority group, there may be a co-payment requirement for certain services. The care coordinator can discuss options, help find what you need, and explain any co-payment requirements. The prescription benefit is not separate from medical care. The veteran must be seen by a VA or VA-authorized physician to receive medication from a VA pharmacy. There are prescription co-pays, depending on the veteran’s priority group and income.
State Veterans Home Program. State Veterans Homes are owned and operated by individual States. States establish admission criteria and may charge veterans for their care. They may provide a variety of extended care services, including adult day health care, domiciliary, and nursing home care.
VA pays part of the daily costs of care (per diem) for veterans admitted to a State Veterans Home, not to exceed 50% of the State’s costs. Application for admission to a State Veterans Home is made directly to the State. The veteran need not be enrolled in the VA health care system in order to access State Veterans Home services but must be eligible to obtain VA per diem payments. Contact your State Department of Veterans Affairs for more information on the State Veterans Home program, including residency and other admission requirements, as well as any specialized services for Alzheimer’s/dementia care. A list of State Veterans Homes is also available from the National Association of State Veterans Homes.
Question: My mother is the widow of a World War II veteran, and she has Alzheimer’s disease. Does the VA have nursing home or other services for her?
Answer: VA health benefits are for veterans, not for non-veteran spouses. However, there are other programs that might be relevant to your mother’s situation. Check the following websites for more information on these programs:
VA Non-Medical Benefits: http://www.vba.va.gov 1-800-827-1000.
CHAMPVA and CHAMPVA for LIFE (CFL) healthcare benefits for dependents and spouses of certain veterans: www.va.gov/hac/forbeneficiaries/champva/champva.asp.
TRICARE and TRICARE for Life (TFL) healthcare benefits for military retirees, their families and survivors.
VA Medical Center locations and phone numbers.
State Veterans Home Program. State Veterans Homes are owned and operated by individual States. States establish admission criteria and may charge for care provided. They may provide a variety of extended care services, including adult day health care, domiciliary, and nursing home care. Some State Homes admit spouses of veterans, although neither the VA nor States provide funding for such non-veteran family members. Thus, your mother would be private pay. Application for admission to a State Veterans Home is made directly to the State.