How to apply for Ohio Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care in Sandusky and Georgetown)

Who it's for

Ohio operates two state veterans homes: Sandusky (nursing care plus a domiciliary for veterans who can live mostly independently) and Georgetown (nursing home with standard care and a memory-care unit for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias). Care is for veterans themselves — the veteran must have lived in Ohio for at least a year, have an honorable discharge, have served during a period of war or armed conflict (or earned an expeditionary or Vietnam Service Medal), and have a disability that makes earning a living impossible. Residents pay a below-market rate based on ability to pay, and VA per-diem funding helps cover the cost of care. Apply directly to either home, or ask for the first available bed at both.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable or under honorable conditions)
• Proof of Ohio residency for at least one year
• Medical records supporting the disability and level-of-care need
• Financial information for the ability-to-pay assessment

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Ohio Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care in Sandusky and Georgetown). 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 or under honorable conditions), proof of ohio residency for at least one year, medical records supporting the disability and level-of-care need — 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 before applying. You must be a veteran with at least one year of Ohio residency, an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge, service during a period of war or qualifying armed conflict (or an expeditionary or Vietnam Service Medal), and a disability that prevents earning a living. A medical authority makes that last determination. Note that spouses are not admitted.
2. Gather your required documents: your DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork, proof of Ohio residency for at least one year, medical records that support your disability and level-of-care need, and financial information for the ability-to-pay assessment.
3. Decide which home fits your needs. The Sandusky home offers nursing care and a domiciliary for veterans who can live mostly independently. The Georgetown home offers standard nursing care and a memory-care unit for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. You may also ask for the first available bed at both homes.
4. Apply online or by phone. To apply by phone, call the Sandusky home at 419-625-2454. You may also call the Georgetown home directly at 937-378-2900 to discuss your situation or ask questions before applying.
5. Complete the ability-to-pay assessment as part of the application. Residents pay a below-market rate based on their financial situation, and VA per-diem funding helps cover the cost of care. Have your financial information ready for this step.

What to expect: After submitting your application, staff will review your military discharge, residency, service history, medical records, and financial information. A medical authority will assess whether your disability meets the requirement that it prevents earning a living. Admission depends on bed availability at the home or homes you selected, so processing times vary — contact the Sandusky home at 419-625-2454 or the Georgetown home at 937-378-2900 for an estimate of current wait times. There is no fixed renewal period noted for this program, but residents should expect periodic reviews of their level-of-care need and ability-to-pay status.