The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding several programs that allow senior veterans to age in their homes or live in home-like settings as alternatives to elder care facilities.
VA officials announced Monday they will expand the Home-Based Primary Care and Veteran-Directed Care programs, which provide medical care and caregiver services to housebound older veterans, and its Medical Foster Home program, which provides housing and services to veterans who otherwise would be in nursing homes.
The expansion is needed, said officials with the VA's Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care, to ensure that the department can support a growing number of veterans eligible for nursing home care.
The VA system is large and complex. And there are both regional similarities and differences when it comes to available resources. The "Aid and Attendance" program is national. It can provide a monthly stipend upwards of $2000 to veterans and their surviving spouses for home care services or senior living community costs. Some VA hospitals also offer a "Homemaker Program" that provides caregiver services for participating veterans. This benefit is funded by the individual hospital and has regional differences regarding eligibility and care specifics.
Veterans may also qualify for caregiving services through their local insurance plans. A VA care manager, social worker, doctor, or other decision-makers must authorize the care in these situations.
BrightStar Care of Richmond can accept VA referrals for authorized home care services.
Facts to remember:
- Serving in combat is NOT always a prerequisite
- "Dad" may not know he qualifies
- "Mom" may also qualify
- Veterans who own homes and assets may still qualify
- Third-party organizations can help families navigate the "Aid and Attendance" application process
The Aid and Attendance benefit is a widely-accessed VA home care resource. Families can complete the Aid and Attendance application independently or use a third-party expert for help. Third-party companies can quickly assess whether a veteran is likely to qualify. They also guide you through the necessary documentation and are usually more accessible than VA representatives. Some of these organizations may even offer loans to help cover the cost of home care while you wait on the first payment from the VA.
The United States VA system is a valuable resource to our veterans. If you are seeking a caregiver or in-home support for a veteran, please call us at 804-378-8686. We can help.
BrightStar Care of Richmond provides 24/7 Hourly Private Duty RN Led Home Health Care and Caregivers for veterans.
Our nurses and caregivers offer support around the clock, providing a full continuum of medical and non-medical services for veterans who are disabled or need personal care. We proudly serve The West End, Glen Allen, Manakin Sabot, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Oilville, Richmond, Montpelier, and State Farm areas.
For more information on how BrightStar Care caregivers and nurses support Richmond vets and to learn more about our local team of skilled healthcare professionals – please Click Here.
Source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/01/26/anticipating-boom-of-aging-veterans-va-expand-care-services-elderly.html