Arkansas VA home earns certification

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock can now accept residents on Medicare and Medicaid.

The home, which opened at the end of January, was only accepting residents who could afford to pay for care out of pocket, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. The certification now allows the home to bill Medicare and Medicaid for care dating to April 27.

The certification came after a survey conducted by the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care found “no deficiencies.” The certification is the home’s next step in filling the $24 million facility.

State VA Director Nate Todd said the certification validated the work of the home’s highly professional staff.

“It certifies the quality and level of care from an external entity,” Todd said.

Todd said he hopes to next apply for certification to receive residents on veterans’ benefits.

The Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock was created to fill a need by the aging population of about 250,000 veterans in the state.

It was built with a concept that emphasizes a homelike environment.

At the home, certified nursing assistants are assigned to individual cottages where they clean, cook and administer direct care. Nurses are also assigned to the cottages.

The agency also owns a veterans home in Fayetteville.

In 2012, the Little Rock Veterans Home closed due to mismanagement, deplorable living conditions and lack of funding.