Residential care · federal

VA Community Living Centers (CLCs / VA Nursing Homes)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

A Community Living Center (CLC) is a VA Nursing Home where veterans can receive nursing-home-level care, including help with activities of daily living and skilled nursing and medical care. There are over 100 CLCs across the country, most on or close to a VA medical center campus. CLCs are designed to resemble 'home' as much as possible, activities for veterans of all ages, family-friendly visiting areas, room decoration, and pet visits/residency are allowed. Veterans may stay short-term (most common, often after hospital discharge) or, in rare cases, for the rest of their life.

Who qualifies

Eligibility is based on clinical need and setting availability. The VA will provide CLC care if the veteran meets criteria involving service-connected status, level of disability, and income. The veteran must be enrolled in the VA health system and be medically and psychiatrically stable.

What it covers

All CLCs provide: 24-hour skilled nursing care (e.g., wound or IV care), restorative care, access to social work services, geriatric evaluation and management. Some CLCs additionally provide: mental health recovery care, special care for veterans with dementia or other cognitive deficits, respite care, palliative care, and hospice care for end of life. Not all services are available at every CLC, contact your local VA medical center.

Cost

A copay may be charged for CLC care based on VA service-connected disability status and financial information. Contact your VA social worker/case manager to complete VA Form 10-10EC (Application for Extended Care Benefits) to learn your copay amount.

How to apply

Must be enrolled in VA health care first. Contact your VA social worker/case manager and complete VA Form 10-10EC. Your social worker can help locate a CLC and assist with arrangements.

Where to get this in Washington

2 organizations deliver this program. Coverage varies, so check the area each one serves.

VA Puget Sound Health Care System (800) 329-8387
VHA health-care system covering Western Washington with two main campuses: Seattle VA Medical Center (1660 S Columbian Way) and American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma (9600 Veterans Dr SW). Hub for VA primary care, geriatrics, mental health, and extended care for the Puget Sound region.
VA Spokane Health Care System (Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center)(509) 434-7000
Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, the VAMC anchoring VA Spokane Health Care System, serving veterans in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

Visit the website

www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/VA_Community_Living_Centers.asp

Source www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/VA_Community_Living_Centers.asp