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Homes-FAQ

​1. What type of a facility are the Illinois Veterans’ Homes?

The Illinois Veterans Homes (Homes) are skilled nursing homes operated by the Illinois Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs. The Homes are not hospitals; geriatric behavior health facilities; or a Federal V.A. facility. Unfortunately, we cannot care for every type of illness or medical problem. Veterans needing psychiatric treatment; or who have combative or aggressive behaviors; or who require a ventilator; or who have an active substance abuse problem, have clinical needs which cannot be met at our Homes. 

2. Is Skilled Care the only care level available?

No. Our Homes located in Anna and Quincy also offer independent living beds. 

3. Who is eligible to become a resident of the Homes?

Honorably Discharged Veterans who need skilled nursing care and who served in the U.S. Armed Forces at least one (1) day of active duty (active duty for training purposes does not qualify) and who have service credited to Illinois or who have resided in Illinois for at least (1) year prior to application. Priority for admission is given to those Veterans who served during a time of conflict. (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War).

A widow or widower of a honorably discharged veteran who was a resident of the State of Illinois for a continuous period of one year immediately before making application, who has no adequate means of support, and is unable to earn a living is entitled to admission to the Illinois Veterans Homes at Anna and Quincy should vacant beds exist. Additionally, a Gold Star family member deemed eligible by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs who was a resident of the State of Illinois for a continuous period of one year immediately before making application is entitled to admission to any of the Illinois.

Preference for filling vacant beds or for filling vacant beds from a waiting list shall be granted first to eligible veterans.

4. What is the cost to stay at the Homes?

Residents who have a monthly income will pay a monthly maintenance charge towards the total cost of their care. (NOTE: The inability to contribute to the cost of care does not prevent admission into the Home.) The monthly cost is based only on the monthly income of the Veteran and spouse and does not include other assets. The maximum monthly maintenance charge is $1429.00*. Veterans who have received a 70%-100% service connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs do not pay a monthly maintenance charge. Members whose income and assets are within guidelines specified by the US Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for non-service connected pension from the US DVA. Those who qualify for the Aid & Attendance allowance from the US DVA will pay an additional, separate Aid & Attendance charge, in addition to the monthly maintenance charge. The Aid & Attendance charge is equal to the amount of the allowance provided by the US DVA. 

5. Do I need healthcare insurance?

Residents are required to carry Medicare Insurance if they are eligible. They are also required to apply for any other Federal, State, or VA benefits to cover medical expenses. The cost of this coverage is deducted from monthly income consideration. 

6. What does the Maintenance Charge cover?

Fully furnished semi-private rooms with shared ½ bathrooms, food, laundry, linens, barber or beautician, medications, medical treatments, hospitalization, transportation by ambulance or medi-car to facility authorized appointments and insurance co-pays. 

7. What is NOT covered and must be provided at the Veteran’s expense?

Dental care, clothing, toiletries, shavers, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, wheelchairs, Geri-chairs, walker, prosthesis (including braces), telephone, and cable TV. This list is not all inclusive. Any special requests by the Veteran or family to use an outside physician or facility the Home does not have a transfer agreement with, is not covered by the monthly maintenance charge and will be the responsibility of the resident. 

8. How large are the Homes?

The Anna Home has 50 skilled nursing beds and 12 independent living beds; the La Salle Home has 190 skilled nursing beds; the Manteno Home has 304 skilled nursing beds; the Quincy Home has 386 skilled nursing beds and 60 independent living beds. FAQs – 10.12.16 Page 2 of 2 

9. Is smoking allowed at the Homes?

There are smoking lounges for residents only in the Homes. 

10. What items should the Veteran bring?

On admission day, you should bring any medications you have for clinical staff to review (no more than a 3 day’s supply); any medical equipment such as a wheelchair, cane, walker, or prosthesis; and a (10) day supply of clothing. Storage space is very limited and there is no storage available for excess clothing. Seasonal clothing should be rotated in by family as needed. If you are planning on bringing a personal television it should not be larger than 26”. 

11. Can a Veteran have a telephone in their room?

Not all Homes are set up to have individual hardwired phones in the rooms. Please contact the Home you are interested in to determine if that option is available. The expense of installation and any charges is the responsibility of the resident. If a resident is able to use a phone independently, they are encouraged to have a cell phone, at their expense and responsibility. There are private payphones available for resident use. 

12. Can a Veteran leave the Home to visit family/friends?

Yes. For skilled care residents, they may go out on a daily pass ensuring they return to Home on the same day or on an overnight “Leave.” In both cases a physician’s order is needed. Leaves are limited to 30 consecutive days and up to 60 days per year. Absences exceeding these limits may be construed as a voluntary discharge. Those residents who live in independent housing, are free to come and go, but need to sign in and out of the Home. In all cases, monthly maintenance fees will continue to accrue and must be paid. 

13. Do you have any type of rehabilitation therapy available?

Yes, the Homes have Physical, Speech, and Occupational therapy available, in addition to having a complete Restorative Nursing program. 

14. Do you have physicians at the Home?

All of the homes have physician coverage provided either by employed physicians or contracted physicians and also have a dedicated group of consultant physicians who see Veterans as care needs require. 

15. If a Veteran needs special medical treatment, what happens?

If needed, a consultant physician may be called to the Home or the resident may be sent to a VA Medical Center for treatment. In an emergency situation, a resident would be sent to a local hospital. 

16. Are there any activities for Veterans?

Yes! The Homes have activity staff who plan trips, parties, hobbies, entertainment groups, and projects. The Anna, Manteno, and Quincy Homes have small lakes on site stocked with fish on a “catch and release” basis for residents and their visitors to use. 

17. What security and safety precautions are taken?

The Homes have Security and Safety staff for the Veteran’s safety and protection. The facilities are fire sprinkled, receive inspections by the State of Illinois Fire Marshal and have comprehensive fire alarm systems that alert local Fire Departments. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THE HOMES OR TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING: 

Illinois Veterans Home at Anna, Adjutant’s Office, (618) 833-6302, x229

Illinois Veterans Home at La Salle, Adjutant’s Office, (815) 223-0303, x222

Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno, Adjutant’s Office, (815) 468-6581, x226

Illinois Veterans Home at Quincy, Adjutant’s Office, (217) 222-8641, x209.