Planning for long-term care is one of the most important — and most emotionally difficult — decisions a family can face. For veterans and their spouses, the challenge is compounded by a system that offers several different types of care, multiple funding sources, and a complex web of eligibility requirements that can feel impossible to navigate.
For wartime veterans and their spouses, VA long-term care options range from in-home care and assisted living to memory care and VA nursing homes — each with different eligibility rules and costs. Understanding which options are available, and which benefits can help pay for them, is the first step toward making the right decision for your family.
This guide cuts through the complexity. It covers every major long-term care option available to wartime veterans and their spouses: what each type of care looks like, who it is appropriate for, what it typically costs, and what financial resources exist to help pay for it. Whether you are planning ahead or facing an immediate need, this guide gives you the information to move forward with confidence.
What Is Long-Term Care?
Long-term care refers to a range of services that help people with chronic illness, disability, or age-related decline manage daily activities over an extended period. Unlike acute medical care — which treats a specific condition and ends — long-term care is ongoing. It may last months, years, or the rest of a person’s life.
Long-term care is not exclusively medical. The majority of it is personal care: help with bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, and other activities that become difficult as a person ages or as a condition progresses. This type of care — often called custodial care — is not covered by Medicare, which is one of the most common and costly misconceptions families encounter when planning for a loved one’s needs.
For veterans and spouses, long-term care options fall into two broad categories: private care options (paid for out of pocket or through benefits like Aid & Attendance) and VA-provided or VA-subsidized care (available to veterans who meet specific service-connected or financial criteria). Understanding which category applies to your situation is critical, because the eligibility rules and costs are very different.
Private Long-Term Care Options
The majority of wartime veterans and their spouses receive care through private care settings — facilities and services they select and pay for themselves, often with financial assistance from the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. These options offer the most flexibility in terms of location, provider choice, and level of care.
Home Care
Home care is the most common form of long-term care and the option most people prefer when they first need assistance. A caregiver — whether a family member, friend, or professional — comes to the veteran or spouse’s home and provides help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meals, and mobility.
One of the most frequently misunderstood facts about home care is that the caregiver does not need to be licensed or professionally certified. A spouse, adult child, neighbor, or any trusted individual can serve as a home caregiver. This makes home care highly adaptable — families can arrange informal care while also supplementing with professional agency support as needs increase.
Professional home care agencies typically charge between $25 and $35 per hour, though rates vary significantly by location. Full-time home care can quickly cost $4,000 to $7,000 per month or more.
Wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need care and meet the benefit’s eligibility requirements may qualify for up to $2,874 per month (married veteran) or $1,558 per month (surviving spouse) in tax-free monthly payments to help offset these costs.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care centers provide structured daytime programs for seniors who live at home but benefit from supervised activities, social engagement, meals, and professional oversight during the day. These programs are particularly valuable for families where a spouse or adult child is the primary caregiver — adult day care gives both the veteran and the caregiver a daily rhythm, prevents isolation, and provides meaningful relief for the family.
Many adult day care programs specialize in specific conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other forms of dementia. Programs typically operate Monday through Friday and may include transportation. Monthly costs generally range from $800 to $2,000 depending on the number of days attended and the services provided.
Veterans and spouses paying for adult day care may use VA Aid and Attendance benefits to help cover the cost, provided they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Board and Care Homes
Board and care homes — also called residential care homes, adult foster care homes, or adult family homes — are small, home-like facilities that provide 24-hour personal care to a small number of residents, typically between four and eight people. These facilities offer a more intimate alternative to larger assisted living communities, with a quieter environment and more individualized attention.
Services at board and care homes typically include meals, medication management, help with activities of daily living, and 24-hour supervision. Costs generally range from $3,000 to $5,000 per month, though this varies by region and level of care.
Board and care homes are licensed and regulated by state agencies. Quality and services can vary widely, so families should visit multiple homes and speak with current residents’ families before making a decision.
Assisted Living Facilities
Veterans and surviving spouses who qualify for VA benefits for assisted living can use Aid & Attendance to help offset the cost of these communities. Assisted living facilities are residential communities designed for seniors who can no longer live independently but do not need the intensive medical care of a skilled nursing facility.
Residents typically live in their own private or semi-private rooms or small apartments and receive help with personal care, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and medications. Assisted living facilities vary widely in size, from small communities of 20 to 30 residents to large campuses with hundreds. Most offer social activities, transportation, and some basic health services. Larger facilities often include specialized units for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
To be admitted to an assisted living facility, a person generally needs to be mobile enough to transfer with minimal assistance, not require constant skilled nursing care, and be assessed as an appropriate fit for the community’s level of care.
Monthly costs for assisted living range from approximately $3,500 to $6,500 or more depending on location, room size, and care level. In many parts of the country, assisted living costs $4,000 to $5,000 per month on average. For veterans asking whether VA benefits cover assisted living costs, Aid & Attendance is the primary benefit available — paying up to $2,874 per month directly to the veteran or spouse, with no restrictions on which facility is chosen.
Couples can move into an assisted living facility together even if only one of them requires personal care. This is an important option for veteran couples where one partner needs care and the other wishes to remain together.
Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other forms of cognitive decline. Memory care units provide a secure, structured environment with staff trained in dementia care and programming designed to reduce agitation, promote engagement, and maintain quality of life.
These units typically feature secured doors and common areas to prevent wandering, which is one of the most significant safety risks for individuals with dementia. Staff-to-resident ratios are generally higher than in standard assisted living, and daily activities are designed around cognitive stimulation and familiar routines.
Veterans and spouses seeking VA memory care benefits may qualify for Aid & Attendance, which recognizes cognitive impairment — including the need for reminders to bathe, eat, or take medications — as a qualifying care need. This means families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia do not need a service-connected disability rating to access this benefit.
Memory care is typically more expensive than standard assisted living, with monthly costs often ranging from $4,500 to $8,000 or more. Some assisted living facilities incorporate memory care wings or neighborhoods within the larger community, while others are dedicated memory care communities.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities — commonly called nursing homes — provide the highest level of care outside of a hospital. They are staffed with licensed medical professionals, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and therapists, and provide 24-hour medical supervision.
Skilled nursing facilities are appropriate for individuals who need ongoing medical care in addition to personal care — for example, those recovering from surgery, managing complex wound care, receiving intravenous medications, or requiring therapy after a stroke or fall. Some residents live in skilled nursing facilities on a long-term basis when their medical needs are too complex for assisted living.
Nursing home care is the most expensive long-term care option, with monthly costs ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 or more depending on location and level of care. For veterans and families wondering what a VA nursing home costs, private skilled nursing facilities average over $9,000 per month — making Aid & Attendance one of the most impactful benefits available to help cover that expense.
Aid and Attendance benefits can help veterans and spouses offset nursing home costs, and in some cases Medicaid may also cover skilled nursing care once a resident’s assets are exhausted. Understanding the interaction between Aid and Attendance and Medicaid is an important planning consideration for families facing high long-term care costs.
VA-Provided Long-Term Care Options
In addition to private care settings, the VA operates and funds several long-term care programs specifically for veterans. These options are subject to eligibility requirements that differ significantly from the Aid and Attendance benefit — most importantly, VA-run care facilities primarily serve veterans with service-connected disabilities, not wartime veterans broadly.
VA Community Living Centers (VA Nursing Homes)
VA Community Living Centers are VA-operated nursing homes located throughout the country, usually adjacent to or affiliated with a VA medical center. There are approximately 100 Community Living Centers nationwide.
These facilities primarily provide short-term skilled nursing care — for example, rehabilitation after surgery or hospitalization. Some veterans may receive long-term care at a Community Living Center depending on their situation, but long-term placement is not guaranteed and space is limited.
To be eligible for a VA Community Living Center, the veteran must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and generally must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher
- Require nursing home care for a service-connected disability
- Have a total disability rating based on individual unemployability
- Have received an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge
Veterans who qualify may still be asked to contribute to the cost of their care depending on their financial situation and disability rating. Surviving spouses and dependent family members are generally not eligible for VA Community Living Centers.
State Veterans Homes
State Veterans Homes are long-term care facilities owned and operated by individual state governments, not the federal VA. They exist in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and were originally established after the Civil War to provide care for disabled and homeless veterans.
Unlike VA Community Living Centers, State Veterans Homes often provide long-term care rather than short-term rehabilitation. Eligibility criteria vary by state but generally require that the veteran be a state resident and meet need-of-care criteria. Some states also admit the spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents of veterans.
The VA provides funding to states to help operate these homes, which often results in significantly lower costs compared to private nursing home care. Veterans and families interested in State Veterans Homes should contact their state’s Department of Veterans Affairs for eligibility requirements and availability.
The National Association of State Veterans Homes maintains a directory of all State Veterans Home locations at nasvh.org. Waitlists are common at many facilities, so planning ahead is advisable.
VA Community Residential Care Program
The VA’s Community Residential Care (CRC) program is designed for veterans who have medical or psychiatric needs, cannot live alone, but do not require hospital or nursing home care. The program works with over 550 inspected and approved residential facilities around the country, including board and care homes, assisted living facilities, and psychiatric residential care homes.
Unlike direct VA care, the CRC program does not pay for the veteran’s room and board. Instead, the VA provides case management, medical oversight, and regular monitoring to ensure the quality of care the veteran receives. The veteran is responsible for the cost of housing, which may be offset by VA pension benefits or Aid and Attendance.
Comparing Your Options at a Glance
The table below summarizes the major long-term care options available to veterans and spouses, along with typical costs and applicable VA benefits:
| Care Type | Best For | Avg. Monthly Cost | VA Benefit Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Care | Those who can safely remain at home with support | $2,000–$5,000+ | Yes — Aid & Attendance |
| Adult Day Care | Those living at home who need daytime supervision | $800–$2,000 | Yes — Aid & Attendance |
| Board & Care Home | Those needing 24/7 personal care in a home setting | $3,000–$5,000 | Yes — Aid & Attendance |
| Assisted Living | Those needing daily personal care and community | $3,500–$6,500+ | Yes — Aid & Attendance |
| Memory Care | Those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or cognitive decline | $4,500–$8,000+ | Yes — Aid & Attendance |
| Skilled Nursing | Those needing 24-hour medical oversight | $7,000–$12,000+ | Yes — Aid & Attendance |
| VA Community Living Center | Veterans needing short-term skilled nursing care | May be covered by VA | Service-connected veterans |
| State Veterans Home | Veterans (and sometimes spouses) in qualifying states | Reduced cost | VA may assist with costs |
All cost ranges are national averages and vary significantly by region. Urban areas and coastal markets tend to be substantially higher. Contact local facilities for current pricing.
How Aid and Attendance Fits In
For the vast majority of wartime veterans and their surviving spouses, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit is the most accessible and impactful source of financial assistance for long-term care. Unlike VA healthcare benefits, Aid and Attendance does not require a service-connected disability. It is available to wartime-era veterans — and their surviving spouses — who need help with daily activities and meet the program’s financial guidelines.
The benefit pays a monthly, tax-free amount directly to the veteran or spouse, who can use it toward any qualifying care setting: home care, adult day care, board and care, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing. There are no restrictions on which specific facility or provider is used, giving families the freedom to choose the care that best fits their needs.
In 2026, the maximum monthly Aid and Attendance benefit rates are:
- Surviving Spouse: $1,558 per month ($18,694 annually)
- Single Veteran: $2,424 per month ($29,087 annually)
- Married Veteran: $2,874 per month ($34,489 annually)
- Two Veterans Married to Each Other: $3,845 per month ($46,143 annually)
For a family paying $4,500 per month for assisted living, Aid and Attendance can cover more than half the cost. For a surviving spouse paying $3,000 per month for home care, it can make the difference between affording care and exhausting savings.
The benefit is needs-based, meaning eligibility depends on the veteran’s financial situation as well as their need for care. Many families who believe they won’t qualify — because of income, a home, or other assets — are surprised to find they do once eligible deductions and exclusions are properly calculated.
See our complete Aid and Attendance Fact Sheet for a full breakdown of eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and how to apply.
How Patriot Angels Can Help
Navigating long-term care options and the VA benefits system at the same time is genuinely difficult — especially during a period when families are already managing a loved one’s health and wellbeing. Patriot Angels specializes in helping wartime veterans and surviving spouses access the Aid and Attendance benefit that can make quality long-term care affordable.
Since 2012, our team has helped more than 30,000 veterans and surviving spouses secure over $1 billion in Aid and Attendance benefits. Our benefit specialists work under the direct supervision of our VA-accredited attorney and understand every aspect of the application process — from eligibility assessment through claim submission.
Find out if you qualify for VA Aid and Attendance benefits with a free, no-obligation consultation. Call Patriot Angels today at (844) 757-3047 or click here.
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Frequently Asked Questions: VA Long-Term Care for Veterans & Spouses
Who qualifies for VA benefits for assisted living?
Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance benefits to help pay for assisted living costs. To qualify, the veteran must have served at least 90 days on active duty with at least one day during a wartime period, received an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge, need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, or eating, and meet the program’s net worth guidelines. The 2026 net worth limit is $163,699. The surviving spouse of a qualifying wartime veteran may also be eligible even if the veteran is deceased. Patriot Angels offers free consultations to help families determine eligibility.
Does VA cover assisted living costs?
The VA does not directly pay for private assisted living facilities, but wartime veterans and surviving spouses who qualify for the Aid & Attendance benefit receive a tax-free monthly payment that can be used toward assisted living costs. In 2026, that benefit is up to $2,874 per month for a married veteran and $1,558 per month for a surviving spouse. There are no restrictions on which assisted living facility the veteran or spouse chooses. This benefit is separate from VA healthcare and does not require a service-connected disability.
Does the VA help with nursing home costs?
Yes — in two ways. First, the VA operates Community Living Centers (VA nursing homes) that provide care to qualifying veterans, primarily those with service-connected disabilities. Second, and more broadly available, the Aid & Attendance benefit provides monthly tax-free payments that wartime veterans and surviving spouses can use toward private nursing home costs. Private nursing homes average over $9,000 per month, and Aid & Attendance can offset a meaningful portion of that expense for eligible families.
What are the VA long-term care eligibility requirements?
Eligibility for VA Aid & Attendance — the primary long-term care benefit for wartime veterans and spouses — has three main requirements. First, the veteran must have served at least 90 days on active duty with at least one day during a recognized wartime period (World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, or Gulf War era). Second, the veteran or surviving spouse must need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility, or must be in a care setting such as assisted living or a nursing home. Third, the applicant’s net worth must fall within the VA’s financial guidelines — the 2026 limit is $163,699. Certain deductions and exclusions apply, and many families who assume they won’t qualify are surprised to find they do.
How do I apply for VA home care benefits?
Applying for VA Aid & Attendance benefits — which can be used toward home care costs — begins with gathering key documents: the veteran’s military discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent), a physician’s statement documenting the need for care, and financial records showing income and assets. The application is submitted to the VA Pension Management Center serving your state. Because the process involves detailed paperwork and financial calculations, many families work with a benefits specialist to avoid errors that delay approval. Patriot Angels provides free consultations and works with families through every step of the process at no upfront cost.
Can a surviving spouse qualify for VA long-term care benefits?
Yes. The surviving spouse of a wartime veteran may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance benefits independently, even if the veteran is deceased. The spouse must not have remarried, and the veteran must have met the service requirements during their lifetime. In 2026, a qualifying surviving spouse can receive up to $1,558 per month in tax-free Aid & Attendance benefits — usable toward home care, assisted living, memory care, or nursing home costs. This is one of the most underutilized VA benefits available, with many surviving spouses unaware they qualify.
