Senior Living Options for Veterans

As of 2021, almost half of America’s veterans (49%) were age 65 or older. That’s more than 8 million men and women. At Magnolia Manor, we are indebted to all of those who have so bravely served our country, and we are honored so many of them have chosen to enjoy their retirement years in one of our nine beautiful southern Georgia communities.

Georgia is a “comfort zone” for veterans. There are 13 military bases throughout the state representing all service branches except the Coast Guard -- including Fort Moore (known to most vets and long-time local residents as Fort Benning), not far from our Columbus campus. That familiarity can be a draw for many vets, but you still have to decide what sort of setting will be best for your senior years.

Senior Living Options for Veterans

There are three types of senior living communities for veterans. Two are veteran-specific, and these can be especially valuable for vets with medical issues or other needs resulting from their service.

State veterans’ homes

Operated by the state where they are located, these facilities can trace their roots back to the Civil War era, where they provided home and respite for soldiers who found themselves homeless after the war. There are two state veterans’ homes in Georgia, in Augusta and Milledgeville. Today, resident eligibility depends on clinical need and space availability, but each state sets their own eligibility and admission criteria. The VA surveys state veterans’ homes annually to ensure they are providing the required level of care.

VA community living centers

These are nursing homes operated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs for American vets and their spouses. Veterans may visit for a short time, or may choose to reside in VA community living centers for the rest of their lives. There are 134 locations across the country.

Community-based senior living campuses

Senior living communities around the country provide a range of living options, amenities and levels of care for all seniors including veterans and their spouses, depending on their specific needs. Residents have access to 24/7 care as needed. Veterans who want to live in one of these communities are often eligible for benefits from the VA, making it easier to choose a community that is close to their current home or in a preferred location that meets their needs.

Benefits and aid available for veterans to reside in senior living communities.

There are lots of resources available to assist veterans with medical, housing and other challenges.

The federal government funds programs to help vets and their spouses pay certain senior living costs. Even if you or your loved one left the military before earning a pension check, these benefits may be available to you. The VA will determine eligibility for senior living care benefits based on your service-connected status, level of disability, and income.

Of special note: if you or your loved one (or spouse) served in the military during designated wartime, even if you did not see combat, you may be eligible for a veteran’s benefit that can alleviate a significant portion of senior living costs. However, in order to apply, you have to already be living in assisted living or personal care, so it can be a bit tricky. Still, you can get the ball rolling early with paperwork to get an estimate of how much assistance you may receive. For full details on the VA senior living program and eligibility, visit this website,

It can take several months before you start to receive benefit payments, so be sure to speak with a representative from your desired senior living community as soon as possible to get started. We’re here to help!

We Would Be Honored for You to Join Our Magnolia Manor family

What’s it like to live at Magnolia Manor? Each campus is unique, but you can get a glimpse into the lifestyle by reading our quarterly Manor Magazine. This issue from last summer features an article about John Goodrich of St. Simons Island and his experience as an Honor Flight Guardian.

We encourage you to reach out with any questions or needs. Simply call us at 1-855-540-LIFE or contact us through our website.