Boise Home

Applicants may be peacetime or wartime veterans and spouses of eligible veterans, with wartime veterans retaining priority admission status. Applicants must have been discharged honorably (under “other than dishonorable” conditions) and be a bona fide resident of the state of Idaho. In addition, applicants must be unemployable as a result of age, illness, or disability. Effective July 1, 2000, applicants must apply for and become eligible for Medicaid benefits or must pay the established maximum monthly nursing care charge. All Idaho State Veterans Homes are Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities. To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Applicants may be peacetime or wartime veterans, and their spouses, with wartime veterans receiving priority admission status. The total service time must be at least 90 days, with an honorable discharge. A copy of the Veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214) must be provided with the application. If the discharge papers are unavailable, a copy can be requested through the Department of Veterans Affairs. We will assist with the request.
2. Applicants must be a resident of the State of Idaho at the time of application.
3. Applicants must apply for (or already be in receipt of) a VA pension, and Aid and Attendance. We will assist with the pension application
4. Applicants must either be eligible and apply for Medicaid benefits, or pay the current maximum monthly charge. Please include with the application a copy of the Veteran’s Medicare card, private insurance cards, Social Security card, and Medicaid card. We welcome applicants who may not yet be Medicaid. approved, and we will assist them with the application process.
5. Spouses or widows of veterans (eligible for nursing care only) will need to provide proof of marriage when they apply.
6. Veterans may be admitted without regard to their financial status. Currently, we are taking applications at each of our Veterans Homes.

Idaho State Veterans Home Application for Admission

The “Old Soldiers Home” formally opened in Boise in May 1895. It was eventually replaced by the New Home which was dedicated in November 1966.

Situated on a sprawling, tree-lined campus at the base of the beautiful Boise foothills, the Boise Veterans Home provides a quiet, peaceful setting just a few convenient miles from the heart of downtown Boise.

In addition to providing outstanding care for veterans and their spouses, Idaho Veterans Homes also offer numerous activities and social services. Residents enjoy recreational and social activities, outings and other programs that keep them active, independent and involved. Our caring team of physical, occupational and speech therapists provide custom programs designed to enhance the quality of life and individual skills and abilities of residents. The facility features a physical therapy center, a spacious dining room, pleasant common areas, a large covered patio and courtyards. Services available to residents include extensive activity programs, onsite veteran and social services, library services, and transportation to medical appointments. Each room is individualized to provide residents with maximum privacy, and all have windows and individually controlled heating and air conditioning.

Veterans may be admitted without regard to their financial status. Nursing care residents admitted on or after July 1, 2000, must either apply for and become eligible for Medicaid benefits, or must pay the maximum monthly charge as it may be established from time to time.

Volunteers are a crucial part of the Idaho State Veterans Home- Boise

They function in many different capacities ranging from dog visits, games, activities, outings and even run the canteen. The impact they make on our residents is enormous. There is an opportunity that will meet the needs of any perspective volunteer.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities:

One-on-one Visits:  This is one of our most valuable opportunities and involves spending one-on-one time with an individual resident.  You provide personalized attention to that person and discuss his or her day, current events, sports, or any other areas of interest.  You may play card games, read a book from our library, or engage in other recreational activities within the facility that the person enjoys. Weather permitting, and with the approval of staff, you may be able to bring a resident outside to sit in the fresh air or take a short walk.  This opportunity requires nothing more than active listening skills and a smile.

Canteen:  Volunteers operate a mini store offering snacks, drinks, and great conversation. Volunteers can choose from two shifts per day:  8:45am – 12:30pm or 12:15 – 4:15pm. While the canteen isn’t open 7 days a week, yet, that is ultimately our goal. Volunteer help is greatly appreciated to staff this opportunity.

Dining Room:  One of our best ways for volunteers to connect with residents is in the Dining Room!  Help set up the tables before meals, assist passing trays, circulate and offer beverages, chat with our Veterans and clear the tables afterward.

Reading Aloud:  Reading the newspaper or library book to visually impaired residents bring joy to both participants.

Bingo:  is very popular among our residents. We have Monday, Thursday and Saturday games and always appreciate extra help. Volunteers can deliver prizes, assist residents with hearing the numbers or marking their bingo card, and being a friendly partner to a veteran.

Cards: Card games such as Cribbage and Pinochle are held on Tuesdays. If you don’t know how to play, come join us and learn!

Craft Room:  Did you know that the Idaho State Veterans Home has a room dedicated to crafts?  Work with residents as they create a watercolor picture, put together a model or paint a birdhouse.  The craft room is available on Tuesdays and Sundays and is staffed by volunteers. It is one of the fixtures that makes us so unique!

Dog Visits:  Dog visits are an important part of the morale. We have a team of volunteers who bring dogs of all shapes and sizes to visit our residents.  The dogs cannot make it down the halls without stopping to say “Hello” to whomever is there. Volunteers with dogs even go room to room where they are often spoiled with treats and scratches or pats. Dog visits are a surefire way to brighten someone’s day.

Special Events and Seasonal Activities:  We arrange a variety of activities for residents to enjoy. These include Forever Yours Anniversary celebrations that help create a private celebration for a resident and his or her spouse on their anniversary. Off-site events include the rodeo, shopping trips, hockey games, or other community events. We celebrate all the major holidays and a few more. Volunteers help decorate, participate, and recreate with residents to enjoy the event!

If you are interested in more information about volunteering, please email:  BVHVolunteer@veterans.idaho.gov or call the Volunteer Office: (208) 780-1702!