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At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, estate planning is never one-size-fits-all. Every family has its own story, priorities, and challenges, which is why we focus on creating personalized strategies that reflect your life and your values. From wills and trusts to complex planning for future care, our Florida team is committed to guiding you with clarity and compassion so your loved ones are safeguarded for years to come.

Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home offers skilled nursing care for Florida veterans in a modern, LEED-certified facility designed with comfort and dignity in mind. Located in St. Augustine, this five-star-rated nursing home honors those who served with care tailored to their unique needs.

For veterans and families looking at long-term care options, knowing the services, admission requirements, and payment options at this state veterans’ facility provides valuable information for making the right choice.

About Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home is operated by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA), serving Florida’s veteran community with high-quality skilled nursing care in a home-like environment.

Location and Contact Information

Jacksonville Office (Main)
Orange Park Office
St. Augustine Office

Facility Recognition

Opened in 2010, the Clyde E. Lassen facility stands out for several distinctions:

  • First LEED-certified “green” nursing home in Florida
  • Five-star rated nursing home by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
  • Tobacco-free campus
  • Annual inspections by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

This modern, state-of-the-art 120-bed facility focuses on providing both skilled nursing care and the highest quality of life to veteran residents, creating a true sense of community.

Services and Amenities

The Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home offers comprehensive care services in a thoughtfully designed environment that promotes well-being and socialization.

Housing Accommodations

  • 72 private rooms
  • 48 semi-private rooms
  • Six “houses” with 20 veterans each
  • Central dining and recreation areas in each house
  • Porches and outdoor fenced patios

Medical Care

  • 24-hour skilled nursing care
  • Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants
  • Full complement of physical, occupational, and speech therapy
  • Well-equipped rehabilitation area
  • Special accommodations for 60 residents with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease

Resident Amenities

  • Spacious private or semi-private rooms
  • Cable television in every room
  • Daily housekeeping and laundry services
  • Restaurant-style dining
  • U.S. Postal Service box and daily delivery
  • Extensive in-house library
  • Complete in-house pharmacy service
  • Barber and beautician services
  • Daily activities and field trips
  • Small in-house banking service

The unique house-based design encourages socialization in dining and activities for both residents and visiting loved ones, creating a more home-like atmosphere than traditional nursing facilities.

Who Can Apply for Admission

Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home serves Florida veterans requiring skilled nursing care, with specific eligibility criteria.

Admission Requirements

  • Honorable discharge from the Armed Forces
  • Florida residency at the time of application
  • Medical review and certification of need for skilled nursing care as determined by a physician

Veterans with both short-term rehabilitation needs and long-term care requirements are welcome, with special accommodations for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

For additional information about the admission process, call (904) 940-2193 to speak with an admissions coordinator.

Areas Served

Duval County

  • Jacksonville
  • Atlantic Beach
  • Jacksonville Beach
  • Neptune Beach
  • Baldwin

Clay County

  • Green Cove Springs
  • Orange Park
  • Middleburg
  • Lakeside
  • Fleming Island
  • Oakleaf Plantation
  • Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace
  • Keystone Heights
  • Penney Farms

St. Johns County

  • St. Augustine
  • Hastings
  • Vilano Beach
  • St. Augustine Beach
  • Ponte Vedra / Ponte Vedra Beach
  • Fruit Cove
  • Palm Valley
  • Nocatee
  • World Golf Village
  • St. Augustine Shores
  • St. Augustine South
  • Sawgrass

Payment Options for Veterans’ Nursing Home Care

As a state veterans’ nursing home, Clyde E. Lassen offers several payment options to help make quality care affordable for Florida veterans.

VA Benefits

Eligible veterans may receive financial support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs toward their nursing home care. The amount of VA contribution depends on the veteran’s service-connected disability rating and financial situation.

Medicare Coverage

For qualified short-term stays (typically following hospitalization), Medicare may cover a portion of the costs:

  • 100% coverage for the first 20 days
  • Partial coverage for days 21-100, with a daily copay
  • No coverage beyond 100 days

Medicaid

For veterans meeting financial eligibility requirements, Florida’s Medicaid program may help cover long-term care costs. Working with an elder law attorney can help veterans structure their finances to qualify while protecting assets.

Private Pay

Some veterans or their families choose to pay privately for care, either through savings or long-term care insurance.

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs works to make care affordable for eligible veterans, with rates often lower than private-sector nursing homes.

About Lieutenant Clyde E. Lassen

The nursing home is named after Lieutenant Clyde E. Lassen, a Naval aviator who was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 16, 1969. A native of Fort Myers, Florida, Lieutenant Lassen was the first naval aviator to receive the Medal of Honor for bravery in Vietnam.

His courage and dedication to fellow service members reflect the values upheld in the care provided at this facility that bears his name.

Berg Bryant Elder Law Services for Veterans

At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we offer legal services to help veterans plan for long-term care needs while protecting their assets and accessing their earned benefits.

VA Benefits Planning

We help veterans work with the complex eligibility requirements for VA pension benefits, including Aid and Attendance, which can help cover long-term care costs.

Medicaid Planning for Veterans

We develop legal strategies to help veterans qualify for Medicaid while protecting their assets from nursing home costs. Even if your income or assets exceed limits, proper planning may help you become eligible.

Estate Planning for Veterans

We create essential legal documents tailored to veterans’ unique needs:

Asset Protection Strategies

We help shield veterans’ assets through:

  • Irrevocable Asset Protection Trusts
  • VA and Medicaid-compliant planning
  • Exempt transfers to spouses or qualifying children

Our legal team works closely with veteran families to develop personalized strategies that protect assets while ensuring access to quality care.

Supporting Florida’s Veterans’ Homes

Florida residents can support state veterans’ nursing homes like Clyde E. Lassen through several initiatives:

  • License Plate Programs

Your purchase of the Florida Salutes Veterans or approved military branch license plates helps support these facilities. The $15 surcharge is placed into a trust fund for the operation and maintenance of State Veterans’ Homes in Florida.

  • Direct Donations

Monetary donations to specific state veterans’ homes are tax-deductible under IRS tax code. Per Florida Statutes, all such donations are used for the benefit of the home and its residents.

  • Driver License Contributions

When renewing your Florida Driver License, you can make a $1 contribution to the State Homes for Veterans Trust Fund. Simply let the clerk know you’re a veteran.

These contributions help maintain the high standard of care provided at Florida’s veterans’ nursing homes.

Schedule Your Consultation Now

Talk to Our Elder Law Attorneys

Planning for long-term care requires careful thought about legal and financial factors. At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we help veterans and their families in Northeast Florida prepare for these important decisions while protecting their financial security.

Our Florida Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys have years of experience working with veterans planning for long-term care. We can assist you in learning about VA benefits, Medicaid eligibility, and asset protection strategies to help pay for care at the Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home or other facilities.

Don’t wait until a crisis forces rushed decisions about nursing home care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation about your specific situation and options.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans' Nursing Home

Do I need an estate plan if I don't have many assets?

Yes. Even with modest assets, an estate plan ensures your wishes are honored, potentially saves your loved ones from costly probate, and addresses crucial healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated. For parents of minor children, naming guardians is essential regardless of asset value.

What happens if I die without a will in Florida?

Florida’s intestacy laws will determine who receives your assets, which may not align with your wishes. Your estate will go through probate court, which can be lengthy and expensive, and the court will appoint a personal representative and potentially guardians for minor children.

How does Florida homestead law affect my estate plan?

Florida’s homestead laws provide important protections but also create restrictions on how your home can be transferred at death. These complex rules can significantly impact your estate plan, especially for blended families. Proper planning with an experienced Florida elder law attorney is essential to navigate these restrictions.

How often should I update my estate plan?

We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years and after any major life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, significant changes in assets, or relocation to a different state.

Can I create my own estate plan using online forms?

While DIY estate planning tools exist, they often fail to address Florida’s unique laws and your specific circumstances. Seemingly minor mistakes can lead to major problems after you’re gone, potentially costing your loved ones far more than the cost of proper planning with an experienced attorney.

Serving clients throughout Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau Counties including Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Fleming Island, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas.

Jacksonville Office (Main)
  • 7545 Centurion Parkway, Suite 108
    Jacksonville, FL 32256
    Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Orange Park Office
  • 1929 Park Avenue
    Orange Park, FL 32073
    Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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St. Augustine Office
  • 145 Land Grant Ste 6
    St. Augustine, FL 32092
    Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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