Delivering A Higher Standard® of Care to Veterans
In-home care benefits are available for eligible United States Veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If you or a loved one served in the Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Space Force — and were honorably separated — you or they may qualify to receive financial assistance for in-home support services (IHSS). These Veterans Affairs benefits extend to current and former members of the National Guard or Reserve who meet certain active-duty requirements.1
There are a variety of programs through Veterans Affairs (Community Care Network, VA Aid and Attendance, Housebound Allowance and VA Health Care) that may cover some (or all) of the costs for in-home care support services (meal preparation, grooming, toileting, errands, etc.) for eligible Veterans and surviving military spouses. These services are called Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). VA Health Care may also cover the costs of respite care, which is short-term, in-home care that allows the primary family caregiver to rest and recharge from their ongoing responsibilities of caring for their loved one.
An Instant and Enduring Friendship
The respect, kindness and joy that Byron and his caregiver Ryan share is a two-way street. Bonding over shared experiences, love for cats and passion for art, Byron is thankful for Ryan’s reliable presence in his life.
Who is Eligible for the Home Care Program?
We recognize that the vast amount of information related to Veterans Affairs benefits can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help you. We are providing you with…
- a brief overview of some resources and programs you may qualify for,
- links to program sites where you can find more details and
- an easy way to contact us so we can help you navigate the VA resources you’re eligible for call us at 412.561.5605 .
It’s important to note that those with VA Health Care “have the right to be involved in choosing (their) providers.” This includes providers like BrightStar Care [Agency Name/Location] that offer in-home support services (IHSS). In addition, you should not be charged by an individual or organization to fill out application forms for VA assistance.
Community Care Network (CCN)
The Community Care Network (CCN) was created in response to Veterans not receiving care in a timely fashion. CCN providers such as BrightStar Care have been credentialed with the VA to work in coordination with the eligible Veteran’s primary care provider to deliver Veterans home care services.
Each VA office has its own policies, but you typically must need assistance with at least three (3) ADLs in order to qualify for Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care (H/HHA), which is sometimes referred to as a Home Health Aide Care (HHA).
Home Health Aides (HHA), also called caregivers, work as part of a team that assesses the ongoing needs of the Veteran being cared for. Find details from the VA here or review an online summary here.
BrightStar Care is contracted with TriWest Healthcare Alliance® and Optum Serve® (the VA's third-party administrators –TPAs) to facilitate services to Veterans in their home. Learn more about the VA’s Community Care Network here or contact our office at 412.561.5605.
VA Aid and Attendance
While CCN benefits are paid directly to the provider, financial support from VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance provides monthly payments added to the amount of the VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors.
You could be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance if you receive a VA pension AND you meet at least one of these requirements:
- You need another person to help you perform daily activities such as bathing, feeding and dressing (ADLs).
- You must stay in bed – or spend a large portion of the day in bed – due to illness.
- You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability.
- Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less).
You could be eligible for Housebound Benefits if you receive a VA pension and you spend most of your time in your home because of a permanent disability (a disability that doesn’t go away).
Some Veterans may be eligible to receive one or both benefits, so it’s important to verify what you specifically qualify for. If you need help with daily activities or you’re housebound, learn more on the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound section of the Veterans Affairs website or call our office at 412.561.5605.
VA Caregiver Support Program
Veterans Affairs recognizes the significant role that family caregivers play in supporting their loved one. Family members of eligible Veterans that are enrolled in VA Health have access to the VA Caregiver Support Program, which is comprised of two separate programs.
The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) provides peer support mentoring, skills training, coaching, telephone support, online programs and referrals to resources for caregivers of Veterans. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) offers enhanced clinical support for Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans.
Where Do I Start?
The VA offers resources to help you answer key questions about the process of determining eligibility for benefits, as well as how to apply. Although we’ve provided links and information that allow you to get started on your own, we are more than happy to walk alongside you throughout the process.
There are many nuances and details that are important to address so you can avoid or reduce delays for needed services – our experience supporting other Veterans can be a helpful resource.
Fill out VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) and mail it to the VA Pension Management Center (PMC) for your state. You can have your doctor fill out the examination information section. You can also include additional evidence with your VA form.
If you’re in a nursing home, you’ll also need to fill out a Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance (VA Form 21-0779).
If you prefer to apply in person, you can take your information to your nearest Veteran Affairs regional office, which you can search for here.
After you’re signed up, simply contact your nearest VA location to schedule an appointment for an assessment by request When making this call, you can request that your services be provided by BrightStar Care SW Pittsburgh, which is credentialed to provide care to Veterans.
A VA case manager will contact you to let you know how many hours of care you qualify for and which agency they have authorized to provide the care. At any point, you can request BrightStar Care as your service provider or remind the case manager that’s the agency you prefer. The program coordinator is then required to work with your selected home care agency.
We know this can be an overwhelming time in your life. You may contact our office for assistance by calling 412.561.5605. We are here to help you navigate the VA resources available to you and your family.
Why Should Veterans Choose Home Care from BrightStar Care SW Pittsburgh?
We consider it to be the highest honor to care for Veterans by supporting their independence and dignity. We come into your home to assist you – but we are the ones who are blessed by the stories you share and the love you have for our country.
Our caregivers at BrightStar Care SW Pittsburgh are committed to providing one-on-one care for services including meal prep, help with eating, grooming, bathing, mobility support (assistance with getting into and out of chairs, beds, etc.), errands, transportation, companionship for those with dementia and other types of covered care.
In addition to the care you’ll receive from our local team, BrightStar Care agencies across the country have extensive experience serving our esteemed Veterans:
- 1,132,728.15 hours of care provided collectively by our agencies in 2023
- 389 agencies credentialed with Optum and TriWest
- 5,200+ Veterans cared for in 2023
Contact Us Today
For more than 20 years, BrightStar Care has been committed to meeting a wide range of needs and are especially proud of the compassionate, high-quality care we’ve provided to our nation’s heroes – Veterans and their families. Contact our team online or call 412.561.5605 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.
1 This is a general summary of eligibility information and does not constitute a guarantee of coverage or eligibility for VA programs. Please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for complete information.
DISCLAIMER: The content and links included on this website are designed to provide you with general information as a courtesy and to provide you with a starting point for VA benefits. We do not represent the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or participate in decisions made by the VA regarding benefits eligibility and coverage amounts. The VA website provides a variety of ways to contact them, including calling, contacting a local VA facility, sending a message online and more. Please visit their Contact Us page for details on each communication option.