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We have submitted an application to a VA nursing home in our dad’s state of residence/Florida. The application itself was huge and cumbersome, as were the required doctor's forms. My application was sent a month ago and there has been relatively little contact since (other than the doctor’s forms now being timed out). I have sent emails to admissions and left several voicemail messages but here I wait. My 95 YO dad has dementia and is with me up north right now until we get it resolved and I must admit I am beyond weary. I’m afraid this is going to destroy my health and I have no life right now; missing out on family time because we can’t afford respite care. The VA is our only option. Am I being unreasonable thinking that it shouldn’t take this long? How do I proceed without pissing someone off? I know everywhere is short staffed.

DJ, Yes, I went though the same goat rodeo trying to get my husband VA benefits for his activation during the VietNam war. We live in Florida and I almost went around the bend trying to reach and get a response from the VA. It took me almost a year to reach someone who would respond to us. And guess what? The VA's answer was NO - no benefits eligibility. I was outraged about it, for both my time and efforts involved with reaching the VA and then for their negative response to us. WTH - my husband served his country in the military/armed forces. All I can say is SHAME ON THE VA.
I hope your experience is better than mine.
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Reply to LostinPlace
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Your County should have a VA office. Contact them and see if they can help.

I personally would not count on Dad getting into a VA home unless what is wrong with him is service related. My GF was never able to get her husband in the VA home and he saw combat in Viet Nam. His problem too was Dementia.

Have u tried to get him in LTC on Medicaid? If he has no assets, it should be cut and dry if his monthly income is below the income cap your State has set.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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What is your dad's level of "Service Connected Disability"?
Most of the VA homes will admit only the Veterans that are at 100% Service Connected Disability.
Have you tried contacting your local Veterans Assistance Commission to see if they can help the process? Or they might check on where he is in the process.
And is there a possibility that he would qualify for Hospice? The VA does have Hospice and might admit him under Hospice.
You could also try calling and asking to talk to the Social Worker and or a Patient Advocate and see if either could help the process or at least let you know of the status.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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