A closer look at the Armed Forces Retirement Home

By Reina Vasquez, Army Retirement Services

The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), an independent agency in the executive branch of the federal government, was created in 1991 to provide housing, direct care, and daily services for retired and former enlisted members of America’s armed forces. In 1834 and 1851 respectively, the “Old Sailors Home” and “Old Soldiers Home” were asylums separately funded by the Navy, Army, and Air Force, and located in Philadelphia, Pa., and the nation’s capital.

Today, AFRH all-inclusive communities, encompass two properties -- one in Washington, DC, and the other in Gulfport, Miss.

Both sites provide our nation’s veterans the chance to retire in comfort, enjoy numerous activities and amenities, and bond with fellow comrades. All active-duty enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and limited duty officers from each branch of service are required to contribute 50 cents per month to the AFRH Trust Fund, and as such, play a crucial role in giving back to America’s military veterans.

Whether you prefer the wooded campus in DC, or being near the beach in Gulfport, each location offers residents private rooms with a private bathroom/shower and walk-in closet; onsite medical services, including dental and vision care; physical and occupational therapy services; three home-style meals daily, prepared by licensed nutritionists and professional chefs; special events and outings each month; deluxe fitness centers; craft and hobby shops; movie theaters; campus security; shuttle services, and much more.

To become a resident of AFRH, you must be able to live independently upon admission; however, each campus has the necessary care levels needed to accommodate those who may need assisted care and support with daily tasks, as well as disabled, injured or infirm veterans who require full, long-term nursing care, in the future. In addition, a memory support facility helps residents who suffer from memory problems, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, perform daily functions and retain cognitive skills.

Only persons who served in the Armed Forces – regular military, Reserve Forces, or National Guard – who spent more than half of their time in the service as an enlisted member, warrant officer, or limited duty officer are eligible to become residents of the AFRH if they meet certain criteria, as detailed on the AFRH website at: www.afrh.gov.

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is a small measure of thanks for each and every military service member that has served this country. AFRH is a place for those who have defended our country to relax and enjoy their remaining years with fellow service members, share stories of times past, and enjoy new experiences with new friends.