Home Care Franchises For Veterans

If you’re a veteran or a caregiver for one, you have several ways to use Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for home care. These benefits can assist with the costs of aging at home, caregiving services, and maintaining independence. Below is an overview of how VA benefits can be applied to home care.

1. VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension

This is an additional financial benefit added to your monthly VA pension. Veterans and surviving spouses who need the help of another person for daily activities (like bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medication) or are housebound may qualify. The A&A Pension can be used to pay for in-home care.

• Eligibility:
  • You must already be receiving a VA pension.
  • You need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), are bedridden, or reside in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
  • You must have limited income and net worth.

2. Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program

The VDC program gives veterans the flexibility to manage their long-term care services, including hiring caregivers (which can be family members), making modifications to the home, and purchasing needed supplies.

• Eligibility:
  • Veterans of all ages who need help with ADLs can participate.
  • Available at select VA Medical Centers. Check availability in your region. 

3. Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care

This benefit provides personal care services by trained aides who come to the veteran’s home to assist with daily living tasks. It’s part of the VA’s standard medical benefits package.

• Eligibility:
  • It’s designed for veterans who need help with ADLs but do not require the level of care provided in a nursing home.
  • The care is typically limited to a set number of hours each week, depending on your health needs.

4. Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC)

This program is for veterans with complex health needs who require primary care delivered in their homes. It’s designed for veterans who cannot travel to VA medical facilities for routine care.

• Eligibility:
  • Veterans must be enrolled in VA healthcare and have difficulty leaving home due to a chronic illness or disability.

5. Respite Care

This benefit provides short-term relief for caregivers. Respite care services can include in-home support, which allows caregivers to take a break while knowing the veteran is being looked after.

• Eligibility:
  • The veteran must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and require a caregiver.
  • The program typically offers up to 30 days of respite care annually.

6. Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant

The HISA grant provides financial assistance for home improvements that help veterans live independently. This may include installing ramps, widening doorways, or modifying bathrooms for accessibility.

• Eligibility:
  • Veterans with a service-connected disability or condition may apply.
  • The grant amount depends on the nature of the service-connected disability. 

7. Telehealth and Remote Monitoring

The VA offers telehealth services, including video visits and home monitoring systems, to help veterans manage their health from home. This option can be beneficial for veterans with chronic conditions.

• Eligibility:
  • Enrollment in VA healthcare.

8. Veteran Caregiver Support Program

While not a direct financial benefit, this program provides caregivers with support, training, and resources to care for veterans. Some caregivers may also receive stipends if the veteran they care for is eligible for the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).

Steps to Apply for VA Benefits for Home Care:

1. Enroll in VA Healthcare: To access many of these programs, veterans must first be enrolled in the VA healthcare system.
2. Contact a VA Social Worker: A VA social worker can help identify which programs are available based on the veteran’s needs.
3. Complete Necessary Applications: Some benefits, such as A&A or HISA grants, require additional applications beyond general VA enrollment.
4. Appeal if Denied: If you are denied benefits, you can appeal the decision. Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for help with the process.

These benefits offer vital support to veterans and their families, making it possible for many veterans to remain in their homes while receiving the care they need. Home care agencies must qualify and then contract with the VA in order to provide caregiving services to veterans.

If you are a veteran that is interested in learning more about our CareDiem home care franchise, please Contact Us.