The  VA  has  regional  offices  and  centers throughout  the  United  States.  Questions  con- cerning  VA  benefits  should  be  addressed  to  the nearest  VA  office. Medical Benefits Available Through the Veterans’ Administration Veterans’ Administration   (VA)   medical benefits  are  available  only  to  selected  veterans and  retired  members.  Dependents  or  survivors of  retired  members  are  not  entitled  to  medical care unless they are veterans in their own right. Medical benefits available through the Veterans’ Administration  include: Hospital  care Outpatient  medical  treatment Outpatient  dental  treatment Information  concerning  these  services  may  be obtained  from  the  local  Veterans’  Administra- tion representative. Veterans’ Administration (VA) Homes Members disabled by age or disease who are not  in  need  of  hospitalization  or  skilled  nursing services  may  be  provided  domiciliary  care  if  VA eligibility  requirements  are  met.  The  VA  main- tains  a  number  of  these  types  of  homes  for veterans  and  retirees.  Information  can  be  pro- vided by the nearest VA representative concern- ing  admission  to  a  VA  home. Direct Services to the Elderly With   the   ever-increasing   number   of   older people  in  our  society,  services  to  help  older citizens  remain  independent  become  more  crit- ical. Many communities offer a number of direct services  for  the  elderly.  Some  of  these  services are discussed in the following paragraphs. The  services  found  in  the  local  community should  be  listed  within  the  I&R  Directory. TWENTY-FOUR   HOUR   HOMEMAKER SERVICE.—This   service   provides   temporary live-in   services   to   persons   recuperating   from illness which required hospitalization. HOMEMAKER   SERVICE.—The   goal   of this service is to maintain and improve the qual- ity of home and family life by providing services such as housekeeping, laundry, and direct coun- seling  to  individuals  whose  independent  func- tions   are   jeopardized   by   illness,   disability, diminished  capacity,  and  other  related  health and  social  problems. HOME  MAINTENANCE  SERVICE.—This service  is  made  available  to  older  individuals needing  minor  home  repairs,  such  as  fixing faucets,  rescreening  doors  and  windows,  chang- ing light bulbs, etc. Cost of materials is paid by the senior citizens. TRANSPORTATION.—This   type   of   service is  generally  provided  upon  telephone  request. Transportation  is  provided  to  health  facilities, such  as  doctor’s  offices,  dentist’s  offices,  health and rehabilitation centers, and also to churches, synagogues,  supermarkets,  and  other  important facilities. RETIRED   SENIOR   VOLUNTEER   PRO- GRAMS.—These programs recruit senior citizens  to  work  as  volunteers  in  public  or  non- public agencies which assist senior citizens, RECREATION  AND  EDUCATION  PRO- GRAMS.—These  programs  offer  bridge,  arts, crafts,  needlework,  physical  fitness,  bowling, softball,    singing, sewing,   dancing,   variety shows,   religious   studies,   speakers,   entertain- ment, and special events to senior citizens. LEGAL  COUNSELING  PROGRAMS  FOR THE   ELDERLY.—Many   communities   have special legal counseling programs for the elderly. Information   concerning   this   type   of   program may be kept at the base legal affairs office or the local  office  on  aging.  Legal  information  can  also be  obtained  from: National  Senior  Citizens  Law  Center 1709 West 8th Street Los  Angeles,  CA  90017 National  Resource  Center Legal Services 1302 18th Street NW Washington,  DC  20036 for  Consumers  of 5-31