The efforts are coordinated by the National Center for Patient Safety, which monitors a wide range of professional programs to improve patient safety. The computerized records and the ability to view patient treatment information from other VA facilities greatly enhance the medical center's ability to coordinate medical treatment. The challenge to care for these men and women is met through a variety of programs, including more than 100 nursing home care units in medical centers, adult day care, home health aide services and community residential care, contracts with 3,500 community nursing homes, and support to 97 state veterans homes. Additionally, VA conducts nationwide research on the causes and treatment of Alzheimer's and other dementias, and funds 20 geriatric research centers. Alaska's geriatric programs include contracts with community nursing homes and home care through contractual resources.
Efforts also are underway to develop adult day care resources for Alaska's veterans.
VA is the only federal agency that provides substantial hands-on assistance directly to the homeless. It has the largest network of homeless assistance programs in the country. More than 7,000 transitional and permanent beds are available for homeless veterans throughout the states. VA aggressively reaches out to veterans on the street, conducts clinical assessments, offers needed medical treatment, and provides long-term shelters and job training. Homeless veterans in Alaska receive a comprehensive array of services through the Alaska VA Healthcare System and Regional Office's Homeless Veterans Service.