VA Nursing Home Options: Community Living Centers, State Veterans Homes and Community Nursing Homes
Veterans and their families may hear several different terms for long-term nursing care through or connected with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Community Living Centers, State Veterans Homes and Community Nursing Homes are not the same program.
The best first step is to verify the Veteran’s current VA health-care eligibility, clinical need, local availability and potential cost.
VA Community Living Centers
VA describes Community Living Centers (CLCs) as VA nursing centers designed to feel more like home. Services and eligibility can vary by location and the Veteran’s needs.
Community Nursing Homes
VA contracts with non-VA nursing homes in many communities so eligible Veterans can receive care closer to home and family. Participation by a particular facility and the Veteran’s authorization must be confirmed.
State Veterans Homes
State Veterans Homes are owned and managed by states. They may provide nursing-home, domiciliary or adult-day services and can have their own admission criteria and charges. Some may also serve eligible spouses or Gold Star parents under state rules.
Eligibility and cost are not one simple rule
The current VA long-term care page explains that eligibility and what a Veteran may pay can depend on factors including clinical need, income and service-connected disability status.
Do not assume that being enrolled in VA health care means every nursing-home stay is free or automatically authorized.
Ask the VA care team these questions
- What long-term care setting is clinically recommended?
- Which VA nursing-home options are available locally?
- Does the Veteran meet eligibility criteria for VA-paid or VA-arranged care?
- What copay or personal cost may apply?
- Which Community Nursing Homes are currently contracted?
- Is a State Veterans Home an option?
- How does the referral and authorization process work?
Compare the facility itself too
VA authorization does not replace ordinary family due diligence. Ask about staffing, clinical capability, distance from family, room availability, rehabilitation, dementia support, transportation and recent regulatory history.
Start with the official VA source
Use VA Nursing Homes and Assisted Living and the Veteran’s VA social worker or care team for current eligibility and local referral information.
Reviewed October 24, 2026. VA eligibility, contracts, availability and costs can change. This article is general education and does not determine an individual Veteran’s benefits.
Browse nursing homes and senior-care communities when comparing local options, or use the Care Finder.
