What the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport Offers

The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) in Gulfport, Mississippi is a residential community for retired military service members. It provides housing, meals, healthcare, and activities on a single campus. The home is one of two AFRH locations in the United States — the other is in Washington, D.C. — and serves veterans from all military branches who meet specific service and age requirements.

Gulfport's location on the Gulf Coast offers a warm climate and proximity to the Mississippi coast. The facility includes independent living apartments, assisted living units, and skilled nursing care, so residents can stay in one place as their care needs change. Residents pay a monthly fee based on their income and the level of care they receive, and many use their military retirement pay or VA benefits to cover costs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport serves retired military members age 60 and older who have completed at least 20 years of active duty service.
  • The facility offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care in one location, so you do not have to move if your care needs increase.
  • Monthly fees are based on your income and the type of housing and care you choose, and most residents use military retirement pay or VA benefits to pay.
  • You can request information and learn about current openings by contacting the Gulfport location directly or visiting the national AFRH website.
  • The process process requires proof of military service, medical records, and financial information, and the review typically takes several months.

Who Can Live at the Gulfport Location

To be considered for residency, you must have served on active duty in any branch of the U.S. military and completed at least 20 years of service. You must also be age 60 or older at the time you move in. The home accepts both men and women, and marital status does not affect your standing — married couples can live together, and single veterans are welcome.

You do not need to be receiving a military retirement pension to explore. However, you must have the financial means to pay the monthly resident fee. The home reviews your income, assets, and ability to pay before admission. If you receive VA disability benefits, military retirement pay, or Social Security, these can count toward your ability to cover costs.

The home also considers your health status and care needs during the review. If you have serious medical conditions that require specialized equipment or round-the-clock nursing care beyond what the facility can provide, the home may determine that you would be better served elsewhere. A medical evaluation is part of the process.

Types of Housing and Care Available

The Gulfport location offers three levels of residential care. Independent living is for residents who can manage daily activities on their own and need minimal information. You live in your own apartment, prepare some of your own meals if you wish, and participate in community activities. Assisted living provides help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and other daily tasks while you maintain your own apartment. Skilled nursing care is for residents who need medical supervision, wound care, physical therapy, or other clinical services.

All residents have access to dining facilities, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and recreational programs. The home offers activities such as fitness classes, card games, movie nights, and outings. Medical staff are on-site 24 hours a day. If your needs change — for example, if you move from independent living to assisted living — you can transition within the same community rather than relocating.

Monthly Costs and How to Pay

Monthly resident fees vary based on your income and the level of care you receive. The home uses a tiered fee structure, meaning residents with lower incomes pay less than those with higher incomes. Independent living typically costs less than assisted living, which costs less than skilled nursing. The exact amounts change annually and depend on your specific financial situation.

Most residents pay using military retirement pay, VA disability compensation, or Social Security benefits. Some use a combination of these income sources. The home does not require you to spend down your savings to a certain level before admission, but you must show that you can sustain the monthly payment over time. If your financial situation changes after you move in, you can request a fee review.

The home does not charge process or admission fees. There are no hidden costs for basic services like meals, utilities, or housekeeping. However, you may choose to pay out-of-pocket for optional services such as personal grooming, dry cleaning, or off-campus activities.

How to Request Information and Begin the Process

To learn more about the Gulfport location, you can contact the facility directly by phone or mail. The Armed Forces Retirement Home national office also maintains information about both locations and can answer general questions about may be able to access and the process. You can request an information packet, which includes details about housing options, fees, and the steps to move forward.

The first step is typically a phone conversation with an admissions staff member. They will ask about your military service, current living situation, health status, and financial circumstances. If you appear to meet the basic requirements, they will send you an process packet and instructions for submitting documents.

You will need to provide a copy of your military discharge papers (DD Form 214), medical records from your doctor, proof of income (such as a retirement statement or Social Security letter), and bank statements or other financial documentation. The review process usually takes two to four months. During this time, the home may request additional information or schedule a medical evaluation.

What to Expect During Your Visit

If you are seriously considering the Gulfport location, you can arrange a tour of the facility. Tours allow you to see the apartments, dining areas, healthcare facilities, and common spaces. You can meet current residents and staff, ask questions about daily life, and get a sense of the community atmosphere. Many people find that visiting in person helps them decide whether the home is right for them.

During a tour, ask about current wait times for your preferred level of care. Independent living may have shorter wait lists than assisted living or skilled nursing. Ask about the activities and programs available, visiting hours for family and friends, and policies around pets or personal belongings. You can also ask current residents about their experience living there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be receiving a military pension to move in?

No. You must have completed at least 20 years of active duty service, but you do not need to be receiving a military retirement pension. However, you must show that you have the financial means to pay the monthly resident fee. This can come from VA benefits, Social Security, savings, or other income sources.

Can my spouse move in with me if they are not a veteran?

Yes. Married couples can live together at the Gulfport location. Your spouse does not need to be a veteran or meet the age or service requirements. However, both of you must be able to pay the resident fees, and the home will review your combined financial situation.

What happens if I need more care than the facility can provide?

The Gulfport location offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. If your medical needs exceed what the facility can provide — for example, if you require specialized equipment or 24-hour one-on-one nursing — the home will work with you and your family to identify other resources. This is rare, but it is discussed during the medical evaluation.

How long is the wait to move in?

Wait times vary depending on the level of care you need and current occupancy. Independent living may have a shorter wait than assisted living or skilled nursing. When you contact the home, ask about current wait times for your specific situation. Some people move in within a few months; others wait longer.

Can I leave and come back if I change my mind?

Yes. Residents can leave the home at any time. If you decide to return later, you would need to reapply and go through the process again. The home will work with you on your move-out date and help coordinate your transition.