FAQ’s :
Many older adults and their families have questions about senior care, living choices, and Volunteers of America National Services. Below are some of the questions we’re often asked, along with our answers.
Don’t see your question here? Reach out to one of our communities for more information. They’ll be happy to help. Click here to find a community or schedule a visit.
Sections:
- Senior Care and Living
- Joining our Team
- Volunteers of America National Services
Senior Care and Living
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a residential approach to delivering many of the same health and personal care services available in skilled care centers. Services are provided by specially trained and personal care staff or by arrangement with home health agencies. No single definition of assisted living is used nationwide because each state can regulate assisted living differently. For this reason, senior living communities that offer assisted living can offer differing levels of care.
May I customize my apartment as I wish?
Yes. You’re welcome to furnish and decorate your apartment to suit your tastes and preferences.
What will happen if my health care needs change?
We work with you, your health care practitioner, and others you want involved with decision-making to provide and/or arrange services to help you live in the setting you want — with the appropriate level of assistance. If your care needs change and a different level of care is indicated, we’ll help you with the transition.
Do you accept Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare does not cover assisted living costs. Some, but not all, of our assisted living communities participate in a federal Medicaid waiver program that funds certain assisted living services for individuals who meet eligibility requirements. To find out if the community you are interested in accepts Medicaid waiver, please contact that community directly by phone or using our contact form. Our staff is happy to provide you with more details.
Will Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension Program help with assisted living costs?
Veterans and surviving spouses who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. You may apply for Aid and Attendance by writing to the Pension Management Center that serves your state. You may also visit your local, regional benefit office to file your request. Find your local office using this VA Facility locator.
Joining our Team
Are their growth opportunities at Volunteers of America National Services?
Absolutely! From your first day on the job, you’ll learn through quality training and be supported going forward with continuing education. With additional, unique training opportunities such as Leadership University, Manager Boot Camp, Ministry, and our Coach Program, we’re committed to identifying and training leaders.
If your goal is to continue your formal education in health care, Volunteers of America National Services offers employee scholarships. As part of our team, you’ll have many opportunities to grow – professionally, personally, and spiritually.
Do you offer benefits?
Yes. We offer medical, dental, vision, legal, life, critical illness, accident, short-term disability, and flexible spending accounts.
Do you offer more pay if I don’t take advantage of the benefits?
Employees who meet certain eligibility requirements qualify for Pay-in-Lieu options.
When do my benefits become effective?
The first day of the month that follows your first 30 days of employment. For example, if you were hired on August 11, your benefits would be effective October 1.
Do you offer paid time off and paid holidays?
Yes! At Volunteers of America, we recognize the importance of being able to rest and recharge. So we offer paid time off and paid holidays to our employees who meet minimum scheduled-hours requirements.
Volunteers of America National Services
What is Volunteers of America National Services?
Volunteers of America National Services is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization – one of the nation’s most comprehensive human services charities. We offer programs for individuals, families, and communities, and in the fiscal year 2016, combined revenues were almost $1.25 billion. We touch the lives of more than 1.4 million people nationwide through a dozen service categories, including care and living choices for older adults.
Are you an all-volunteer organization?
No. But our more than 15,000 paid, professional employees are assisted by approximately 64,000 dedicated volunteers throughout the country. Volunteers help our employees deliver life-changing services. Find out how you can volunteer.
How do you help children and young people?
We’re committed to encouraging positive development for children, youth and their families. Our programs include prevention, early intervention, crisis intervention and long-term services.
What are you doing to address homelessness and provide affordable housing?
We work to prevent and end homelessness for individuals and families through various support services. These services include eviction prevention, emergency services, housing, transitional housing with services, and permanent affordable housing.
In addition, we’re one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of quality, affordable housing for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. We provide homes to more than 25,000 people annually.
How do you work daily to strengthen individuals, families, and communities?
By acting as a safety net for individuals and families in need, we work to strengthen and enhance communities. We offer a variety of community programs, including information and referral, food and prepared meals, thrift stores, and collaborations with the faith community.
We work to prevent unemployment and underemployment through a range of training and employment services. Our programs include adult literacy, computer centers, work experience programs, counseling, job placement, and supportive employment for individuals with disabilities. We also address the continuing HIV epidemic through prevention and family support services.
Veterans. Do you have special programs to help them?
Volunteers of America National Services is committed to ending homelessness for veterans already on the street, and preventing others from becoming homeless, by providing a wide array of services to meet their specific needs. Services include supportive housing, mental health and addiction treatment, and employment training.
How do you help formerly incarcerated adults and young people build positive lives?
We help rehabilitate adult offenders and steer youth to set new, positive directions for their lives. Services include halfway house and work release programs, day reporting, diversion and pre-trial services, residential treatment, family supports, and dispute resolution and mediation services.
What mental health and substance abuse programs do you offer?
We empower people with mental illnesses to thrive in the community and successfully manage their illness through crisis counseling and “hotline” programs, inpatient senior behavior health care, day programs and drop-in centers, transportation, and supported independent living.
People with intellectual disabilities are empowered to be independent and involved in the community through services that include in-home supports, day programs and employment, specialized residential services and supported living.
We work to prevent and eliminate substance abuse by youth and adults through residential and outpatient services, from prevention to treatment to long-term support.
How do you help older adults stay healthy and active?
We offer older adults a host of supportive services, including senior centers, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Meals-on-Wheels and community-based meals programs. In-home services include home repair and home health aide/homemaker services. Social services professionals coordinate community services and referral programs, protection against abuse and neglect, and volunteer services.
For older adults and others coping with illness or injury, we offer short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, assisted living and memory support in our senior living and care communities, which include independent living choices. Our Aging with Options™ program provides older adults with guidance concerning how to receive health care and live longer while remaining in their own homes.