Arizona State Veteran Homes

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services runs four state veteran homes, all skilled nursing facilities: Phoenix with 104 beds, Tucson with 120, Flagstaff with 80, and Yuma with 80. That geographic spread is worth noting. Arizona is a large state and the homes sit in the four corners of its population, so for most families there is a facility within reasonable driving distance, which matters more for visiting than any feature of the facilities themselves. Eligibility covers an honorably discharged veteran who requires skilled nursing care. Spouses of veterans and Gold Star parents may also be admitted. The inclusion of Gold Star parents is not universal among states and is worth knowing for a family who lost a child in service and is now facing a parent's own care needs. Cost depends on the resident's circumstances and on what VA pays toward the care. Under the federal rules VA pays the full cost of nursing home care for a veteran who needs it for a service-connected disability or who is rated 70 percent or more, and pays a per diem toward other eligible veterans. Ask the home to work the specific numbers rather than assuming a rate, since the answer turns on the individual's rating and clinical need. Admission is based on clinical need and bed availability, and each home runs its own waiting list. Apply through the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services or directly to the home. A county or state veteran benefits counselor can help assemble the service and VA documentation, which is usually what slows an application down.