What Are the Veteran Affairs (VA) Home & Community-Based Services?
One important aspect of the VA’s services is the assistance it can provide to elderly, sick, or wounded veterans, as well as their caregivers. Those giving care to veterans need support, too, and the additional help of the VA’s home and community-based assistance can allow veterans to live at home safely and comfortably.
Assistance for Veterans From Home and Within the Community
Here is some basic information on the VA’s services for veterans within their homes and surrounding communities. If you’d like to learn more or find out whether one of these programs is right for you, take advantage of the VA’s Veteran Decision Aid Tool.
- Home-Based Primary Care
- Adult Day Health Care Centers
- Homemaker and Home Health Aides
- Home Hospice Care
- Respite Care
- Home Telehealth
- Remote Monitoring Care
- Skilled Home Care
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
- VA Extended Care and Geriatrics
Home-Based Primary Care
Home-based primary care, or HBPC, assists veteran caregivers in delivering healthcare services to veterans who are unable to travel on their own. When you sign up for HBPC, you will gain access to a trained team of medical professionals who can perform home visits for various care needs.
Some common services that home-based primary care personnel provide include checkups, physicals, medication management, mental healthcare, and nutrition planning.
This program can help to save caregivers money and time transporting veterans to and from medical appointments.
Adult Day Health Care Centers
Isolation can be a significant cause of mental and physical health issues for veterans, which is why Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) centers are such an essential part of the VA’s efforts. Veterans can visit ADHC Centers to participate in all kinds of activities in a safe, supportive environment.
These facilities are staffed by professionals who lead team sports, games, social groups, and other activities for veterans to socialize with one another. Time spent at ADHC centers also gives caregivers of veterans a valuable chance to relax and have time to themselves.
Homemaker and Home Health Aides
A great deal of energy, training, and time goes into the selfless act of caregiving. The VA designed the Homemaker and Home Health Aides program to provide in-home caregiving to veterans of all ages in need, allowing them to remain in their homes for longer.
This program can be used in tandem with outside caregiving. The trained homemaker and home health aides can help with all kinds of everyday tasks, including hygiene, dressing, meals, and transportation to and from appointments.
Home Hospice Care
Home hospice care provides support and comfort to the family members and loved ones of veterans facing the advanced stages of terminal illness. A healthcare team is provided to each individual for 24/7 care as well as grief counseling and other relevant services.
Thanks to the assistance of this program, veterans are able to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their homes as they face the final stages of their illness with dignity.
Respite Care
Any caregiver knows that finding time for yourself and your own needs can be difficult, especially if you don’t have help. Respite care is meant to combat this by providing much-needed respite to caregivers.
For veterans who require caregivers through the VA, caregivers can be eligible for up to 30 days per year of respite care. This can be granted for specific situations, such as family emergencies or unexpected illness, but it can also be taken for personal reasons so that caregivers can make sure their own needs are met.
Home Telehealth
Traveling to medical offices can be difficult for some veterans. This challenge is decreased with the Home Telehealth program, which gives veterans access to care coordinators using telehealth technology.
Remote Monitoring Care
Similarly to Home Telehealth, the VA’s Remote Monitoring Care service makes it possible for healthcare professionals to monitor the conditions of veterans at home. Specialized home monitoring equipment allows veterans to remain in the care of the VA even when they can’t transport themselves.
Skilled Home Care
For veterans who need specific types of in-home care, the Skilled Home Care program can make a huge impact. Experienced professionals in fields like speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and others are connected with home-bound veterans who need their support.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is designed for older adults who have access to Medicaid and Medicare benefits. It provides comprehensive social services to keep them connected to their community, as well as life-changing medical services.
VA Extended Care and Geriatrics
Many of the VA programs mentioned fall under the umbrella of Geriatrics and Extended Care. From Adult Day Health Care centers to skilled home healthcare and everything in between, the VA offers a wide variety of specialized programs that can make a significant difference in the lives of wounded, ill, and aging veterans.
Find the Right VA Care for You
Choosing the right VA program can be challenging, as there are so many to consider. Luckily, the VA has many resources to help veterans find the right programs for their needs.
Through the VA Caregiver Support Program, Family Matters In-Home Care is proud to be a community provider in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ network. Learn more: Homemaker & Personal Care Services for Veterans
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
