The VA provides nursing home services through several different programs and we would like to make you aware of the State Veterans Home Program that exists here in Missouri. State Veterans’ homes are owned and operated by the individual states. A state can petition the VA for grant dollars for a portion of the construction costs followed by a request for recognition as a state home. Once recognized, the VA pays a portion of the per diem costs if the state meets VA standards.  States establish eligibility criteria and determine the services offered for both short and long term care.  Here in MIssouri we have  6 such facilities.These facilities are located in Cameron, Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mt. Vernon, St. James., St. Louis and Warrenton.  To be eligible for admission to a Missouri Veterans home a veteran must:

• Have been a resident of the State of Missouri for at least 180 days at some point in his/her life.
• Have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Have documentation from a physician that he/she needs skilled nursing home care.
• The veteran’s health condition must be such that the home has resources to care for him/her.

The final decision for admission is determined by a healthcare team comprised of the Administrator, Physician, Director of Nursing, Social worker, and other professionals as needed.

There is a Monthly Resident Charge that is calculated using a sliding scale based on the Veteran’s ability to pay. The current maximum charge is $1800 per month. Admission to any of the state facilities is based on available resources.

Each Missouri Veterans Home employs a licensed nursing home administrator, has registered nurses on duty 24 hours a day, and provides physician care; physical, speech, occupational, and recreational therapy; medications, environmental and social services and dietary specialists. Each facility has a secured dementia unit with specialized programming for dementia care.

For more information please contact the Missouri Veterans Commission directly at 1-866-vet-info or  573-751-3779, email: Movets.veteran@mvc.dps.mo.gov