About the State Veterans Homes Our nation was faced with a staggering number of soldiers and sailors in critical need of medical care following the Civil War, and although the national homes were in operation at the time, their capacity was inadequate to meet the demand. At that time, several states established veterans homes, at their own expense, to provide for those residents who had served so honorably in the military. In 1888, the U.S. Congress authorized federal cost-sharing for state veterans homes-about 30 cents per resident per day. Since the creation of the Veterans Administration in 1930, the program's per diem payments have increased to $57. In addition, the administration now recognizes three levels of eldercare and provides 65% of construction costs for new facilities. Our Veterans Homes are state government agencies that receive less than 30% of their operating funds from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. There are currently about 33,000 residents at the 133 homes in 49 states and one U.S. territory. Upon admission, residents are typically incapacitated or unable to earn a living and require long term, skilled nursing care.