July 1, 2010

Buyer Bill would Provide Family-like Environment, Personal Freedom and Independence to Veterans Requiring Long Term Care

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, House Committee on Veterans Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer introduced legislation to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract with adult foster homes for the provision of long-term care to veterans who are unable to live independently.

 

VA has helped place more than 600 veterans in adult foster homes since 2002. However, because VA is not authorized to provide assisted living benefits, these veterans have had to pay for adult foster homes out of their own pockets. H.R. 5641 would alleviate this burden by allowing VA to cover the cost of adult foster care for veterans who are eligible for VA paid nursing home care.  

 

“I am pleased to introduce the Heroes at Home Act, H.R. 5641,” Buyer said. “Many veterans prefer a more personalized, family-like environment than traditional nursing homes are able to provide. H.R. 5641 would greatly expand the array of options veterans have when selecting long-term care facilities. This versatility of choice would allow many veterans to remain in locations of their preference that might not otherwise be viable options.”  

 

Buyer’s bill would provide a number of safeguards for veterans and strong oversight capabilities for VA.  These include requirements that caregivers pass VA screening, federal background checks, and home inspections.

 

Caregivers would also be required to receive annual training, reside on the premises with the veteran they serve and provide 24-hour supervision and personalized care. VA would be required to ensure facilities comply with high quality standards through both announced and unannounced visits at least three times every month.

 

“Our aging veteran population coupled with thousands of wounded warriors returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with catastrophic injuries greatly increases the need for long term care, Buyer said. “These heroes have earned every measure of support we can provide and that should include the ability to decide which long-term care environment best fits their needs and makes them feel most at home.”