Yes. We strongly urge all potential members to visit our campuses first. Please call in advance so that we may schedule a complete tour of the campus of your choice. Unscheduled tours may not be able to be accommodated.
Barstow: 1-800-746-0606/760-252-6350
Chula Vista: 1-619-482-6010/1-619-654-7022
Yountville: 1-800-404-8387/ 707-944-5000

No. The definition of a California veteran has changed over the years. Although you must currently be a resident of California to be admitted, you no longer have to have joined the military from California, nor do you have to have wartime service.

No veteran will be denied admission due to a lack of income. For those veterans who have income, state law requires that they pay their fair share of costs. These costs are called member fees. Member fees help reduce the amount of state tax dollars needed to operate VHC, thus allowing the California Department of Veterans Affairs to provide for a greater number of veterans. Member fees are:
(a) Residential Care: 47.5 percent of your income or $1,200 per month, whichever amount is less.
(b) Intermediate Care: 65 percent of your income or $2,300 per month, whichever amount is less.
(c) Skilled Nursing Home Care: 70 percent of your income or $2,500 per month, whichever amount is less.
Note: If you receive aid and attendance (A&A) benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the entire A&A amount will be paid to VHC.

Members are admitted on a space and bed-available basis. Generally speaking, there are usually openings available at the entry or residential/domiciliary levels. However, there are usually long waiting lists for those seeking higher levels of care, such as skilled nursing care, because current home residents have first priority for admission to these services. Thus, the best way to assure future access to skilled nursing care is to enter the Home at one of the lower levels of care. For those considering a state veterans home, it is highly advisable to apply well before the need becomes urgent. To obtain the current status of vacancies, call the appropriate campus.

No. A very limited number of private rooms are available and are reserved for veterans with special needs.

Spouses may be admitted with certain restrictions. A spouse must be a California resident and be married to and living with the veteran for at least one year. Spouses must submit a separate, complete application and meet requirements for admission at the residential/domiciliary or skilled nursing level of care.

Yes. Each campus provides varying levels of health care. VHC also has established transfer and treatment agreements with USDVA and specific private medical facilities.

Each case is based upon its own merits. The staff at VHC will counsel and assist you in obtaining all medical benefits allowable through private, federal, state and local facilities.

No. VHC has no facilities for pets.

Yes. Washing machines and dryers are available.

Yes. Visits by your friends and relatives are encouraged. VHC staff will be glad to assist you in arranging these visits.

Each room has limited storage space. Some additional storage space may be available. Check with the specific campus for further details. All personal equipment must meet health, safety and fire codes.

Yes. Each new resident is placed on a 60-day conditional admission (probation) period and given a thorough briefing and orientation upon arrival on campus.

All initial appeals of denied admissions must first be filed with the appropriate campus administrator. Appeals must be in writing, stating the reasons you feel you should be admitted to VHC. If the appropriate campus administrator denies your admission and you wish to appeal, you may initiate your second appellate step by contacting the California Veterans Board at P. O. Box 942895, Sacramento, CA 94295-0001. The board will provide you with an appeal form if you did not receive one from the campus.

Maybe. Medical staff will individually review each application. All admission decisions will be made based upon available medical resources and VHC ability to provide necessary care for you.

Veterans desiring to be considered for membership must be (1) residents of California, (2) age 62 or older (or younger if disabled), and (3) have served honorably. The average age of veterans living at our campuses, at all levels of care, is 73. If you wish to be considered for admission and meet the requirements, please submit your application.

Additional information and application forms for applying to VHC are available at our Application for Admission page.