A proposed bill in Florida would expand eligibility for residency at state-run veterans’ homes to include spouses or surviving spouses of qualifying veterans as well as the parents of children who died while serving.
SB 174 / H 725 revises the priority order for admission to a veteran’s home, including an assisted living community or nursing home, to place a higher priority on admissions of spouses and parents over nonveterans.
Nine state veterans’ homes operate in Florida — one assisted living facility in Lake City (the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans’ Domiciliary Home) and eight skilled nursing facilities.
A bill sponsor, Florida Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), said that the legislation would help veterans who are living in state veterans homes continue to live with their spouses while receiving care and assistance. Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Executive Director James Harsell said that expanding the pool of eligible veterans home residents to include spouses was the “compassionate thing to do.”
The Florida Senior Living Association told McKnight’s Senior Living that it is monitoring the legislation, but President and CEO Gail Matillo said that the organization “wholeheartedly supports providing services and support to our nation’s veterans and their spouses.”
“For veterans and their spouses who are interested in assisted living, Patriot Angels is an organization that helps veterans or their surviving spouses access the aid and attendance program that can provide monthly monetary assistance to offset the cost of senior housing and services,” Matillo said.
