What is Veteran-Directed Care?
Veteran-Directed Care gives veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive the Home and Community-Based Services they need in a consumer-directed way.
Veteran-Directed Care is for Veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., fixing meals); are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden. Veterans in this program are given a flexible budget for services that can be managed by the Veteran or the family caregiver.
Veteran-Directed Care can be used to help Veterans continue to live at home or in their community.
Am I eligible for Veteran-Directed Care?
Since Veteran-Directed Care is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, all enrolled Veterans are eligible if they meet the clinical need for the service, and it is available.
NOTE: This VA program is only available in certain locations. A copay for Veteran-Directed Care services may be charged based on your VA service-connected disability status.
What services can I get?
As part of this program, veterans and their caregivers have more access, choice, and control over their home care services or long-term care services. For example, Veterans can:
- Decide what mix of services will best meet their needs
- Hire their own personal care aides (which might include their own family member or neighbor)
- Buy items and services that will help them live independently in the community
How do I decide if it is right for me?
You can use a Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community to help you figure out what home care services or long term care services may best meet your needs now or in the future.
There’s also a Caregiver Self- Assessment. It can help your caregiver identify their own needs and decide how much support they can offer to you. Having this information from your caregiver, along with the involvement of your care team and social worker, will help you reach short-term and long-term care decisions.
Ask a social worker for these resources or download copies from the Making Decisions and Advance Care Planning section at www.va.gov/Geriatrics.
If Veteran-Directed Care seems right for you, talk with your VA social worker and find out if it is available in your location.
Interested?
Meet with us so we can discuss your care needs personally. You may also reach out to us through our online message form for inquiries and further information.
