How to apply for Indiana Veterans' Home (Long-Term Care, West Lafayette)

Who it's for

The Indiana Veterans' Home in West Lafayette provides long-term skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, and memory care in a community built around veterans. Honorably discharged veterans and their spouses (including surviving spouses) can apply, and the home also accepts Gold Star parents. Residents must generally have lived in Indiana for at least one year before applying, though waivers can apply for veterans who enlisted from or were discharged to Indiana. Care is paid through a mix of sources — the federal VA State Home Per Diem program, Medicaid, Medicare, and private funds — so the admissions team works out the cost with each family. Call admissions at 765-497-8072 to talk through a specific situation.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing an honorable discharge
• Medical records supporting the level-of-care need
• Proof of Indiana residency
• Financial information for the admission assessment

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Indiana Veterans' Home (Long-Term Care, West Lafayette). 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 showing an honorable discharge, medical records supporting the level-of-care need, proof of indiana residency — 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.

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility by checking that you are an honorably discharged veteran, the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran, or a Gold Star parent, and that you have lived in Indiana for at least one year before applying. Note that the one-year residency requirement may be waived for veterans who enlisted from or were discharged to Indiana.
2. Gather your required documents: DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing an honorable discharge, medical records supporting your level-of-care need, proof of Indiana residency, and financial information for the admission assessment.
3. Call the Indiana Veterans' Home admissions team at 765-497-8072 to discuss your specific situation, ask questions about eligibility, bed availability, and cost, and get guidance before submitting your application.
4. Apply online or by phone at 765-497-8072 to submit your application to the Indiana Veterans' Home in West Lafayette.
5. Work with the admissions team to complete the medical, financial, and service-record review that is required for all applicants.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the Indiana Veterans' Home admissions team will conduct a review of your medical needs, financial information, and service record. Admission also depends on bed availability at the time of your application. Because care costs are covered through a mix of sources — including the federal VA State Home Per Diem program, Medicaid, Medicare, and private funds — the admissions team will work out the specific cost with you and your family based on what each resident qualifies for. Processing times vary, so contact admissions at 765-497-8072 for an estimate and to stay updated on your application status. There is no set renewal period noted for this program, but residents should expect ongoing financial and care assessments as part of continued residency.