The Veteran-directed Care Program offers a unique approach, allowing Veterans of all ages to manage their Home and Community Based Services in a way that puts them in control. This program is designed to support Veterans who require personal care assistance and help with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. It’s also a valuable resource for Veterans experiencing isolation or whose caregivers are facing significant burdens.
Who is Eligible for the Veteran-Directed Care Program?
Eligibility for the Veteran-Directed Care program is open to all enrolled Veterans who meet specific criteria. These criteria include being eligible for community care, meeting the clinical needs for the required services, and ensuring the program is available in their location. It’s important to note that service availability can vary depending on where you live. To determine your eligibility and the services available to you, it’s best to consult with a VA social worker.
Exploring the Services Available Through Veteran-Directed Care
The services provided through the Veteran-Directed Care program are tailored to meet each Veteran’s unique, assessed needs. By working with a VA social worker, Veterans can gain a clear understanding of the specific support they can receive.
A key aspect of this program is empowering Veterans or their designated representatives to develop a personalized spending plan. This plan allows Veterans to hire their own support workers, which can include family members or neighbors, to assist them in living independently within their community.
Here are some examples of daily activities for which Veterans may receive assistance through this program:
- Eating and meal preparation
- Getting dressed and undressed
- Maintaining personal grooming and hygiene
- Bathing and showering
- Using the toilet and bathroom facilities
- Moving and transferring from one position to another
- Shopping for groceries and essential items
Determining if the Veteran-Directed Care Program is the Right Choice for You
To help Veterans and their families make informed decisions about care options, several resources are available. The Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community is a helpful tool to explore various home care and long-term care services and determine which best aligns with current and future needs.
Furthermore, the Caregiver Self-Assessment offers invaluable support for caregivers. It enables them to evaluate their own needs and assess the level of support they can provide. This self-assessment, combined with guidance from your care team and VA social worker, facilitates well-informed short-term and long-term care decisions.
These resources can be accessed through your VA social worker or downloaded from the Making Decisions page on the www.va.gov/Geriatrics website.
If the Veteran-Directed Care program seems like a suitable option, the next step is to discuss it with your VA social worker to confirm its availability in your area and to begin the enrollment process.
