VA certification brings dignified long-term care closer to home for Wyoming’s aging Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has certified the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming in Buffalo, Wyoming, to accept VA patients for skilled nursing home care. This means the facility can now receive per diem payments from VA for eligible Veterans, helping cover the costs of their care.
Making skilled nursing home care more accessible
“This certification increases the long-term care options available for Veterans in Wyoming,” said Sheridan VA Health Care System’s Chief of Social Work John W. Slaughter. “It enables access to in-state skilled nursing home care for our Veterans, potentially reducing their out-of-pocket costs.”
Nursing home level of care refers to the medical care and support someone needs to maintain their health and safety. In a skilled nursing home, trained health care workers, including registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, provide medical care, administer medications and assist residents with daily living activities. These facilities can handle complex medical conditions and offer a safe environment for Veterans who require continuous support.
Skilled nursing home care can be expensive, often exceeding $90,000 annually. VA can cover approximately $109 per day through a per diem payment for each eligible Veteran, making skilled nursing home care more financially accessible for Veterans and their families.
To qualify for per diem payments, Veterans must be enrolled in VA health care and require skilled nursing home care.
Impact on Veteran care
“Before these cottages were added to the VHW, there was no dedicated skilled nursing home for Veterans in the state of Wyoming,” said Wyoming Department of Health Public Information Officer Kim Deti. “We are proud of what we built and believe it's a great addition to what's available on our campus."
Now certified, the VHW enhances access to care for aging Veterans, allowing them to stay near family and community.
“We currently have waiting lists for both the assisted living and skilled nursing communities in Buffalo,” said Deti, highlighting the demand and need for these services statewide.
Facility details
State Veterans Homes are facilities that provide nursing home, domiciliary or adult day care. They are owned, operated and managed by state governments. They date back to the post-Civil War era when many states created them to provide shelter to disabled and homeless Veterans.
The VHW’s skilled nursing home, which opened in October 2022, features three residential cottages and 36 beds in a home-like environment for residents. The facility's construction was a joint effort: VA funded 65% of the costs, while the state of Wyoming provided the remaining 35%.
Get started
Veterans interested in this care option can begin the process in several ways:
- Call the VHW at 307-684-5511 to request a pre-admission packet.
- Visit the VHW website for detailed eligibility and admissions criteria.
If a State Veterans Home seems right for you, your VA social worker can help you locate one and assist with deciding.
- Call Sheridan VA 's Social Work office at 307-675-3982 or 307-675-3198
- Find a VA social worker in your area for assistance.
Veterans Service Officers (VSO) can help Veterans learn about their VA disability and pension claims, and state and federal benefits.
- Call the Wyoming Veterans Hotline at 1-800-833-5987 to connect with a VSO near you.
Jesus Flores is a VISN 19 Creative Task Force writer and editor and a Marine Corps Veteran.