Veteran Home Care: What Services Are Available and How to Qualify

For veterans, receiving the right care at home can make everyday life more comfortable while supporting independence and quality of life. In this post, we’ll review what you need to know about home care services for veterans.

What Are the Benefits of Veteran Home Care?

The benefits of home care for veterans include:

• Safe, supportive care at home. Caregivers provide companionship and supervision while helping veterans maintain as much independence as possible in the comfort of their own homes.
• Coordinated, individualized care. Home services are organized around each veteran’s medical needs, personal preferences, and care goals, helping create a consistent and connected care experience.
• Help with Daily activities. Veterans can receive personalized assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation, based on their individual needs and preferences.
• Support for family caregivers. Respite care gives family members and other caregivers time to rest, handle personal responsibilities, or simply recharge, while their loved one continues to receive dependable care.

Who Qualifies for VA Home Care Services?

Eligibility for veterans in home care depends on several factors. In general, applicants must be enrolled in VA health care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and meet the eligibility criteria for the specific service they need. Some home care for vets may also require eligibility for VA community care. Availability can vary by location, so the service must be offered in the veteran’s area.

What Are the Types of Veterans Home Care Services?

Some types of in home care for veterans include:

• Homemaker/Home Health Aide Care. Trained aides assist with personal care and everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation — helping people maintain their independence at home. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse and can also provide respite for family caregivers.
• Home-Based Primary Care. Ongoing, team-based medical care is provided in the home for people with chronic illnesses or other conditions that make regular clinic visits difficult. Being homebound is not required to participate.
• Skilled Home Health Care. Short-term or ongoing services may include skilled nursing, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, wound care, and IV antibiotics. This option can be especially helpful when transitioning home after a hospital or nursing home stay.

How Do You Pay for Veterans Home Care

Below are some ways to pay for VA in home care.

• Veterans Pension. Eligible wartime veterans may receive monthly pension payments if they meet VA requirements related to age or disability, income, and net worth.
• Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance. Qualified veterans and survivors who receive a VA pension may be eligible for additional monthly payments through the Aid and Attendance or Housebound programs.
• Survivors Pension. Surviving spouses and unmarried dependent children of eligible wartime veterans may qualify for monthly payments if they meet VA requirements for income and net worth.
• Community Care Network (CCN). VA may cover eligible home health care delivered by an in-network community provider through the Community Care Network. Veterans generally need to meet VA requirements for community care and obtain authorization before receiving services.

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