The Veterans Directed Care Program offers a unique approach, empowering veterans of all ages to manage their Home and Community Based Services. This program is designed to support veterans needing personal care and assistance 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 feeling overwhelmed.
Eligibility for Veteran Directed Care
Enrolled veterans are generally eligible for the Veterans Directed Care program if they qualify for community care, meet the necessary clinical criteria, and if 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 specific eligibility, consulting with a VA social worker is recommended.
Services Offered Under Veteran Directed Care
The services provided through the Veterans Directed Care program are tailored to meet each veteran’s assessed needs. A key aspect of this program is that veterans, or their designated representatives, are involved in developing a spending plan for their care. They also have the autonomy to hire their own care workers, which can include family members or neighbors, to assist them in living independently at home and within their community. This can encompass assistance with various daily activities, including:
- Eating
- Dressing
- Personal hygiene and grooming
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Mobility and transferring
- Grocery shopping
Is Veteran Directed Care Right for You?
To help you decide if the Veterans Directed Care program aligns with your needs, the VA offers resources like the Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community. This tool can assist in evaluating various home care and long-term care service options. Additionally, a Caregiver Self-Assessment is available to help caregivers assess their capacity to provide support. Discussing these resources with your care team and a VA social worker can greatly aid in making informed short-term and long-term care decisions. You can access these tools on the Making Decisions page at www.va.gov/Geriatrics.
If the Veterans Directed Care program seems like a suitable option, it’s crucial to discuss it further with your VA social worker to confirm its availability in your area and to begin the enrollment process.
RETURN TO: Home and Community Based Services
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