Darlene Altvater
Nov 2025
My father is 87 years old and a veteran. Hens the name Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. A resident since June 4, 2025. I had no idea placing my fathers here that it’s NOT a veterans home but state ran by Pruitt Health. No one in admissions informed me that his VA health benefits could not be used unless he traveled 90 mins to 2 hours during morning commute to VA in DC. We met with a social worker at the community medical VA 2 mins from him and was told the residents at the veterans home could not see doctors there. This is outrageous for these elderly vets to have to be transported to DC. So, my father refuses the commute. Medicare only pays 80%. He has to pay the other 20% physical therapy and any other service he receives at the veterans home. He can’t afford this and I refuse to pay. I will say, the only thing the VA pays is a portion of his residents fee. PH will not submit any accrued medical to the VA for payment. On another note, more funds need to be put towards the food that is served. On many occasions I have sat with my father in cafeteria. The food either is too salty, tastes horrible and looks like it was thrown together. These veterans deserve better. Also, my father is severe diabetic. In the ALF, they do not help with my father’s diet. They have snacks the residents can pick up on their own and 99% it’s not diabetic friendly. I put diabetic ice cream in the hall freezer but that lasted 3 days. They were being stolen. The nurse Sheila at 1D is fantastic and cares about her residents. The aids seem to be nice too. I will be contacting PH and my senators to find out what can be done for my father and the other VA residents. We are blessed he’s 5 mins from my home but I may have to move him yet again when I thought this would be his final residency.
