Q: What services are there for veterans?
A: There are a lot of services. They vary depending on your own situations and veteran status. You should contact the following to find out what services apply to you: Veterans’ Administration of Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS), New York State Veterans’ Home at Batavia, Genesee County Veterans’ Services Agency
Q: What services can I get through the Veterans Administration of Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS)?
A: This service offers veterans nursing home care, dementia care and homemaker home health aide services. They offer adult day care (both in-house and contract), hospital based primary care and community nursing home care. They also have respite care and hospice services. There is a shuttle bus service from Batavia VA to Buffalo VA. This will give eligible veterans much needed transportation.
Q: What is Veterans’ Administration of Western New York Healthcare System Respite care?
A: This service provides short term care to veterans. This is up to one month per fiscal year. This will give the family caregiver a planned time of relief from the physical and emotional duties of providing care at home.
Q: Are there specific admission criteria for the New York State Veterans’ Home at Batavia?
A: If you are thinking of living at the New York State Veterans’ Home at Batavia you must need skilled nursing care. The Veterans’ Home is certified for Medicare and Medicaid. Also, you must:
• have entered active duty from New York State or be a resident of New York State for one year prior to admission
• have been discharged under honorable conditions and have served at least 30 days on active duty (Preference is given to wartime veterans)
• be married 10 years prior to application if you want your spouse to be admitted with you
• be a widow(er) or parent of an eligible veteran
Q: Does the New York Veterans’ Home at Batavia offer Rehabilitation Services?
A: Yes. They offer a full range of rehabilitative services. Residents are assessed for the services at the time of admission. Medical, Social Work, Dietary and Rehabilitative staff members judge your ability to return to the community. They also arrange for equipment and other needs as indicated.
Q: Do I have to enroll to receive Veterans’ Administration Health Care?
A: Most veterans must be enrolled to get Veterans’ Administration Health Care. But, some veterans do not have to if they meet certain criteria. If you fall into one of these categories listed below you do not have to enroll.
• If you are seeking care for a Veterans’ administration rated services connected condition ONLY
• If the Veterans’ Administration has rated you with a service-connected disability of 50% or more
• If less than one year has passed since you were discharged for a disability that the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. But In this case, the Veterans’ Administration has not yet rated
Q: What is a Veterans’ Administration service-connected rating? How do I get one?
A: A service-connected rating is an official ruling by the Veterans’ Administration. It states that your illness/condition is directly related to your active military service. Service-connected ratings are established by Veterans’ Administration Regional Offices. These are located throughout the country.
Q: How is it determined where my care will be provided? Will it be in a Veterans’ Administration facility or a private nursing home? Will the Veterans’ Administration pay for the nursing home expense?
A: If you qualify for indefinite nursing home care then you can stay in a Veterans’ Administration facility. Care may also be offered in a private place under the Veterans’ Administration contract. This is only offered when there is a compelling medical or social need. If you do not qualify for indefinite care you may be placed in a community nursing home. You can only get care arranged for about six months after an episode of Veterans’ Administration care. The purpose of this short term placement is to help your family while other long term care options are being set up.
Q: What if I do not qualify for indefinite care at Veterans’ Administration expense? What help is there for making other arrangements?
A: The Veterans’ Administration social workers will help family members find funding sources. The Veterans’ staff will help you find out if your costs can be covered by Medicare of Medicaid. They will then help you and your family find other services. This includes applying for other Veterans’ Administration benefit programs.
Q: What is TRICARE?
A: It is the Department of Defense Health Care Program for active duty and retired members of the uniformed services. This also includes their family members and survivors.
NY Connects Genesee Care Options is here to help you figure out what you need and find providers that can help meet your needs. We want to make this process as easy as possible for you.