The Va Veteran Directed Care Program offers a unique approach to home and community-based services, empowering Veterans of all ages to manage their care in a consumer-directed manner. This program is designed for Veterans who require personal care assistance and support with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. It’s also a valuable resource for Veterans experiencing social isolation or whose caregivers are facing significant burdens.
What is the VA Veteran Directed Care Program?
The Veteran Directed Care program provides eligible Veterans with a flexible budget for services, which they or their designated representative manage. Working with a program counselor, Veterans can then hire their own care workers – who can even be family members or neighbors – to provide the personalized support they need to live independently at home or within their community. This self-direction ensures that care is tailored to the Veteran’s specific needs and preferences.
Who is Eligible for the VA Veteran Directed Care Program?
Eligibility for the VA Veteran Directed Care Program is broad, extending to all enrolled Veterans. The key requirements are that Veterans must be eligible for community care, meet the clinical needs criteria for the services, and that the program must be available in their location. It’s important to note that service availability can vary depending on where the Veteran resides. To confirm eligibility and program availability, Veterans should consult with their VA social worker.
What Services Can You Receive Through Veteran Directed Care?
The specific services offered through the Veteran Directed Care program are determined by an individual assessment of the Veteran’s needs. A VA social worker can provide detailed information on the range of supports available. The program assists Veterans or their representatives in creating a spending plan and in hiring support staff. This can include assistance with essential daily activities such as eating, dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, using the restroom, mobility, and even grocery shopping. The goal is to enable Veterans to maintain their independence and quality of life within their homes and communities.
Is the VA Veteran Directed Care Program Right for You?
To help Veterans decide if the Veteran Directed Care Program aligns with their needs, the VA offers helpful resources. The Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community can assist in evaluating various home care and long-term care options. Additionally, the Caregiver Self-Assessment is available to help caregivers assess their capacity to provide support. These tools, combined with discussions with your care team and VA social worker, can facilitate informed short-term and long-term care decisions. These resources can be accessed through your social worker or downloaded from the Making Decisions page on www.va.gov/Geriatrics. If Veteran Directed Care seems like a good fit, reaching out to your VA social worker is the next step to explore availability in your area.
