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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 get nursing-home-level care, including help with daily activities like bathing and dressing along with 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 made to feel as much like home as possible. They offer activities for veterans of all ages, family-friendly visiting areas, and the freedom to decorate your room, and they allow pet visits and even pets living there. Veterans may stay short-term, which is most common and often follows a hospital discharge, or in rare cases for the rest of their life.
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 go from here
Not sure this one fits your situation? Your local Area Agency on Aging can check what you qualify for and point you to the right programs, for free. No one will sell your information, and no one will cold-call you.