If you or your loved one needs assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, eating or mobility, has dementia, or needs support for a disability or chronic illness, you may be eligible for benefits provided by the VA.
In many cases, veterans are eligible for more than one program.
Learn About Your VA Home Care Benefit Options
Not all veterans have access to the same benefits, however. You’ll need to inquire about what programs you’re specifically eligible for in order to make sure you take the path that’s best for you.
The VA website provides information on the various benefits and how to determine if you are eligible. Look through these descriptions and get a general understanding of what you might be eligible for.
- Am I eligible for VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits? Learn more.
- Am I eligible for VA Community Care benefits? Learn more.
- Am I eligible for VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care benefits? Learn more.
Go to the VA Clinic
The first step to receiving your VA Home Care benefits is to register at your local VA clinic. Tell the VA doctor your reason for visiting and what you’re trying to accomplish. Even though you only need to spend a small amount of time at the VA clinic to get the information you want, it’s still best to develop a personal relationship with at least one doctor there. Stay in touch and keep them up to date with your current situation.
Find a home care provider that is contracted with the VA.
Once you understand exactly what services you’re eligible for, you will need to find an in-network home care provider.
SYNERGY HomeCare is a good option, because:
- The majority of our agencies are contracted with the VA.
- Many of those locations are in close proximity to a military base or installation.
- A number of SYNERGY HomeCare franchises are also owned and operated by veterans themselves, who are eager to serve those who served.
Homemaker and Home Health Aide Benefit
This benefit is available to veterans who require personal care services and assistance with activities of daily living. SYNERGY HomeCare and other organizations that are part of the Community Care Network (CCN), a network of VA-approved providers, are responsible for providing veterans with this type of care. This benefit also covers short-term respite care and assists veterans with activities of daily living.
Homemaker/Home Health Aide benefit can be combined with Aid and Attendance. Only available to Veterans, not to spouses.
Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)
This VA program gives veterans the freedom to manage their own care by hiring caregivers and allowing them to age in place. Also, 30 days of respite care is available each year.
Eligibility depends on the veteran’s health status and specific needs.
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
The VA now supports the family caregivers of eligible veterans with this inclusive program. Each veteran is allowed to have one primary caregiver receive a stipend for their care services in addition to 30 days of respite care each year.
These family caregivers must be family members or live with the veteran full-time to be considered for this benefit.
You must apply for this program to be considered.
Aid and Attendance Pension
This benefit is paid to eligible veterans, their spouses, or surviving spouses as an added payment to a veteran’s basic pension. The Aid and Attendance pension can be used for home care services, including personal care, memory care, and support for disability and illness.
Housebound Pension
The Housebound Pension is another benefit paid to eligible veterans who receive a VA pension and spend the majority of their time at home due to a permanent disability. Housebound Pension covers personal care, memory care, and support for disability and illness.
Aid and Attendance and Housebound Pension may not be used simultaneously. However, both of these benefits do offer spousal and surviving spouse options.
Home care has quickly become the fastest-growing means for supporting people with age-related conditions. As a veteran, you may be entitled to home care services that can enhance your quality of life. At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional in-home care services to veterans and their families. Talk to a SYNERGY HomeCare representative today. We are honored to serve you.
___________
For more information on caring for a veteran, download SYNERGY HomeCare’s free Veterans Care Magazine.
SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or Contact us to talk to a Memory Care specialist.
