How to apply for Arizona State Veteran Homes (Long-Term Care)

Who it's for

Arizona runs four State Veteran Homes providing skilled nursing care for veterans and their spouses: Phoenix (104 beds), Tucson (120 beds, with a 30-bed memory care unit), Flagstaff (80 beds, with memory care and a Medicare rehab unit), and Yuma (80 beds, with a 20-bed memory care unit). The homes are state-owned and Medicare-certified, and the memory care units serve residents with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Admission is open to an honorably-separated veteran or the spouse of a veteran who needs skilled nursing care as determined by a physician. Residents pay a daily rate, and VA benefits can offset the cost — an ADVS Veteran Benefits Counselor works in each home and can help sort out what the VA will cover.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable separation)
• Physician's documentation that skilled nursing care is needed
• Documented evidence of the absence of tuberculosis
• Financial and insurance information for the admission assessment

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Arizona State Veteran Homes (Long-Term Care). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable separation), physician's documentation that skilled nursing care is needed, documented evidence of the absence of tuberculosis — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.