Every 18 months or so, we reinspect the Veteran First Communities that team with us in order to educate veteran families about the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit. Each community must pass a rigorous 20 point inspection to be sure that residents there can become eligible to apply for the full amount of the VA's Aid and Attendance Benefit for Homebound Veterans.
The inspections cover various aspects of the facilities including:
- Food quality and nutrition
- 24 hour management and aid availability
- Pullcords or monitoring devices in every room.
- Accessibility for wheelchairs and walkers
- Activities and engagement activities for residents
- Cleanliness and a zero odor policy
- Transportation to and from doctor's office visits
- Ability contract for and receive ADL's from approved homecare providers
- Adequate record keeping and file procedures
- Facility with various VA rules including audits
- And a host of other requirements…
The most important consideration for being named a Vet First Community is the attitude and actions of the directors and staff. While we understand that almost all of these facilities operate at a for-profit status, it's also vital that everyone be onboard with our commitment that the team consider themselves fiduciaries for the benefits of the senior veterans, spouses or widows. When you entrust your loved ones to the care of a community, you'll accept nothing less.
Open enrollment for becoming a Vet First Community begins again in November of 2011 and runs until February of 2012. We're looking for the best in assisted living, independent living and memory care communities for seniors. Our goal is to add 15 more communities to our family by the end of 2012.
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