Choosing the Right Home Care Provider for Veterans: Programs, Support & Resources

As our loved ones age, they seem more and more focused on maintaining their independence and staying in their own homes.

This is especially true for our senior loved ones who are veterans. They are generally not the type of people who want to feel like they need someone to take care of them. While at first it can seem overwhelming working through the programs and resources that exist out there, home care support for veterans doesn’t have to be complicated. 

Veterans Home Care Programs

Any type of home care program begins with the veteran being enrolled in VA Healthcare. The program is open to almost all veterans and their spouses, has little to no cost for most services, and works hand-in-hand with Medicare. VA Healthcare also includes programs and assistance for caregivers. Additionally, it has resources to help determine which type of in-home care is needed. 

There are many programs and companies that provide senior home care for veterans. Vet Assist is a nationwide service that helps match veterans with the care they need. Every state has a Department of Aging, though the name of the department varies, sometimes called Office of Aging or Department of Senior Services, etc. A Google search can also list local veteran home care providers. 

Veterans Home Care Options

It can feel like there are a massive amount of options for home care for your veteran loved one. This list will help you learn some key words, understand options, and choose the right type of care for your loved one.

Companion care – Exactly as it sounds, companion care is designed to offer companionship and emotional support for your senior loved one. A companion may stop by for a few hours once or twice a week and sit with your loved one, chatting, playing cards or board games, or participating in hobbies like crafting. 

Homemaker services – Homemaker services for veterans keep the home running with general household assistance. This can include things like grocery shopping, meal prep, light cleaning, and laundry along with companionship. 

Personal care – Another option for veterans’ in-home support is personal care. Personal care includes hands-on support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs encompass getting out of bed, hygiene activities like bathing, brushing teeth and toileting, getting dressed, eating meals and moving around the house safely. 

Home health care – Ordered by a doctor or nurse, home health care covers medical needs like skilled nursing, wound care, physical or occupational therapy, injections and other medications, and anything else that can only be done by a nurse or skilled practitioner. 

By working with the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs), your state, and programs like Vet Assist, you will be able to find the right care for your loved one. 

To learn about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.