Caring For America's Heroes: 1864-2004

140 Years Of Caring For America's Heroes

Following the Civil War, large numbers of indigent and disabled veterans, who were no longer able to earn their own livelihood, needed care. While the federal government operated national homes for disabled union volunteer soldiers, the total number of veterans needing care was overwhelming. In recognition of this need and the debt that a grateful nation owed its defenders, a number of states independently established State Veterans Homes (SVHs) to help care for those who had borne the battle. The first State Veterans Home was established in Rocky Hill, Connecticut in 1864.

The first enactment that provided for payment of federal aid ($100 per year) to such states was August 7, 1888, when federal sharing was authorized to help alleviate the burden placed upon states. With the establishment of the Veterans Administration in 1930 to care for an ever-increasing number of veterans, the state programs were expanded to include three levels of care, increased per diem payments and federal funding for construction of facilities.

The National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH) was conceived at a New England organizational meeting in 1952 because of a mutual need for State Veterans Homes to promote legislation on the national level and share common problems and experiences. Since this humble beginning, NASVH has adopted the following goals: (1) establish and maintain the highest standard of domiciliary, nursing home, and hospital care for veterans and their dependents who are eligible for admission to Homes, (2) to provide a coordinated, composite analysis of the financial and legislative support required, (3) insure solidarity in the presentation of requirements to Congress and of its responsibilities in meeting those needs, (4) provide a clearinghouse for techniques and expertise in the care of veterans and the management of State Homes, and (5) establish and maintain a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to promote mutual concerns in providing quality care for veterans.

State Veterans Homes Are The Largest Provider Of Long Term Nursing Care In The United States

During FY 2003, State Veterans Homes furnished 5,596,608 days of nursing home care and 1,348,463 days of domiciliary care. As of February 13, 2004, there were 117 Veterans Homes in 47 states and Puerto Rico. These State Homes currently provide 28,968 total beds, which can generate more than 10.6 million days of patient care each year. There are 111 nursing care units in 46 states, 49 domiciliaries in 33 states, 5 hospitals in 4 states and 1 adult day health care in 1 state.