As Veterans age, many prefer to stay at home where they feel most comfortable. Fortunately, the VA offers several programs to support Veterans in safely maintaining their independence, without shouldering the entire cost of in-home care. From flexible care budgets to financial support for daily assistance, these VA programs help cover essential services, empowering Veterans to live comfortably at home. In this article, we will explore three valuable options that support Veterans’ care needs: Veteran-Directed Care, the Aid and Attendance Benefit, and the VA Community Care Network.
Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)
Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) is designed for Veterans who want control over their care. This self-directed program allows Veterans to manage a personal care budget and choose the support that best fits their needs, whether that means hiring personal care aides or hiring individuals to provide other specialized assistance. With guidance from a VA counselor, Veterans in this program can create a care plan tailored to their daily routines and preferences, enabling them to stay at home while receiving the support they need.
Learn more about Veteran-Directed Care.
Aid and Attendance Benefit
For Veterans who need extra help with daily activities like dressing or bathing, the Aid and Attendance Benefit offers financial assistance, making it easier to afford in-home support. This program is especially helpful for Veterans and spouses with limited income, as it directly covers costs for essential care.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, Veterans need to meet the following criteria:
- Military Service: At least 90 days of active duty, including one day during wartime.
- Health Needs: A need for assistance with daily living activities or cognitive impairment.
- Income & Assets: Applicants must fall below specific income and asset limits after deducting care expenses.
This benefit provides ongoing support for those who served during wartime and require regular assistance, but who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
Learn more about the Aid and Attendance Benefit.
VA Community Care Network (CCN)
The VA Community Care Network (CCN) offers essential home care services to Veterans through partnerships with local providers. For Veterans who struggle to travel to VA facilities or need specialized support not available through the VA system, the CCN provides a way to receive care closer to home. Through this program, community-based providers deliver Homemaker, Home Health Aide (HHA), and Respite Care services, all designed to support Veterans with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal prep, and more.
To qualify, Veterans must be enrolled in VA Health and assessed by a VA caseworker or care coordinator to determine the level of care required. The VA funds these services directly, and reimbursement rates vary based on location, making the CCN a robust support option for eligible Veterans.
Learn more about the VA Community Care Network.
Finding the Best Program for You
These programs offer Veterans the chance to receive quality care at home, each with unique benefits that meet different needs. For Veterans or Veterans’ family members considering these options, the local VA Medical Center is a helpful resource, as is the VA’s website. By using one of these programs, Veterans can access flexible, affordable support, and live safely and independently at home.
For more information on how Rosemark partners with Paradigm to help home care agencies manage VA billing, contact a member of the Rosemark team today.