Compton: Questions, answers from Veterans Home
By George Compton
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The following answers are provided by the Veterans Home staff.
Q. Will both male and female veterans be admitted to the new veterans home?
A. Yes. Both male and female veterans can reside at all of the Veterans Homes of California. In addition to the three Veterans Homes under construction in Ventura, Lancaster and West Los Angeles, Veterans Homes are currently in operation in Yountville, Chula Vista and Barstow.
Q. Can a resident of the Veterans Home keep a car on the premises?
A. Yes. A parking lot area will be provided for veteran residents with their own vehicles. The veteran must have a current driver’s license, current registration and proof of insurance — and maintain the vehicle in good, operational order.
Q. Is there room available for veterans to use or even store their own furniture at the Veterans Home?
A. All furniture will be provided by the Veterans Home in a homelike environment. While the department realizes that residents have become accustomed to their own furniture, there is not adequate room or storage for personal furniture. There is adequate storage in the rooms for clothing and personal items.
Q. Can a resident keep a pet at the Veterans Home?
A. The California Department of Veterans Affairs understands the strong bond between a pet and its owner. Unfortunately, due to safety and health regulations, veterans cannot keep pets at the Veterans Home. Special arrangements are being made to include pet therapy at the Veterans Home.
— George Compton, a retired Army colonel, is the veterans service officer for the county Human Services Agency. Send your questions to Veterans Service Office, 1701 Pacific Ave., Suite 110, Oxnard, CA 93033, phone 385-6366, fax 385-6371, or e-mail george.compton@ventura.org.