Through the VA’s home and community based services, veterans can qualify for nonmedical and medical care at home, as well as other home-based VA programs. These programs are exclusively available to veterans or veterans’ families. These programs are designed to help veterans stay at home as long as possible by assisting with a variety of needs, like grooming, meal prep, and physical therapy.
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Veterans are eligible for home care programs through the VA if they meet the following requirements:
When considering these programs, keep in mind that there may be an applicable copay for services through the homemaker and home health aide program. This depends on your loved one’s VA service-connected disability status.[01,02]
Maybe. Eligibility for a spouse or surviving spouse depends on their unique situation and ability to meet eligibility requirements. For example, a surviving spouse who remarries is no longer eligible for TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program.
If a spouse or surviving spouse is not eligible for TRICARE, they may still be able to receive VA health care benefits through the following programs:
The VA offers programs that provide qualified veterans with both nonmedical and medical home care services. All these programs fall under the VA’s home and community based services and are designed to help improve the well-being of veterans living with conditions like a chronic illness or service-connected disability.
Nonmedical home care includes companionship, homemaker help, and personal care services. Home health care services are typically medical in nature and include skilled nursing care, medication administration, and rehabilitative therapies.
Some of the VA programs below may cover both home care and home health care, depending on a veteran’s needs and eligibility.
The homemaker and home health aide program involves a trained aide coming to the veteran’s residence to support the veteran with daily activities around the house, such as grocery shopping or personal grooming. The aide may visit often or once in a while depending on a veteran’s needs.[01] The veteran may continue receiving services for as long as they require assistance with daily tasks.
This program allows veterans to continue living at home rather than moving to a nursing home. It can also help family caregivers by reducing their stress and physical strain.[02]
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Home-based primary care (HBPC) provides a variety of services, including the following:[02]
Home-based primary care may be an ideal home care option for seniors with disabilities who can’t travel easily to their local VA medical center. This service is also beneficial for a veteran who no longer drives and doesn’t have the option of accessible transportation options.
To qualify for this program, a veteran must be enrolled in VA health care, meet the clinical requirements for the program, and live in an area where services are available.
Skilled home care services through the VA are similar to home-based primary care services. Qualified homebound veterans can receive nursing services and physical, occupational, or speech therapies in their home. This can be a good option for veterans who live outside of a VA service area. To provide these services, the VA contracts with licensed, non-VA medical professionals in a veteran’s community.[03]
Adult day health centers (ADHC) are locations where veterans can go during the day while their caregiver is at work or taking a respite from caregiving. These centers offer safe and supervised environments that encourage socialization and participation in activities. Veterans can choose adult day health centers operated by the VA or community-based centers that contract with the VA to provide services.
For veterans experiencing memory loss, adult day health centers for seniors with dementia is a specialized care option. Veterans can also qualify, through a health assessment, for health supervision and rehabilitative therapies to help them recover from an illness or injury. Adult day health care can always be combined with other VA home and community based services.[02]
If a veteran has a terminal condition and is approaching the end of life, the VA’s hospice care covers and can help to coordinate in-home hospice care.
To qualify for this type of care, your loved one must meet the following criteria:[04]
Telehealth helps bring VA medical care coordination and health monitoring to veterans at their home. Veterans can connect with their care coordinator using a phone or digital device. Veterans using telehealth can also meet virtually with their primary caregiver or a specialist. Another benefit of the home telehealth program is that some conditions can be assessed remotely, saving veterans a trip to the clinic.
Some veterans may also be eligible for remote monitoring care through home telehealth. If qualified, the VA will provide a health monitoring device, appropriate to a veteran’s needs, that collects health data like vital signs. This information is shared with a veteran’s health care team, so they can monitor and help to manage care.[05]
Through home telehealth, providers offer education, care training, and support groups for family caregivers. For veterans who don’t have a digital device, the home telehealth program will loan them an internet-connected tablet. The VA also offers discounts on cellular and internet services to help make telehealth more affordable.[06]
Family caregivers for veterans are up against a very difficult job. Caring for an elderly loved one can be exhausting and can lead to caregiver burnout. The VA recognizes these challenges and offers a home respite care service to help family caregivers take care of themselves and relieve stress.
A veteran who requires a caregiver qualifies for up to 30 days of respite care per year. Respite can be provided by a professional caregiver in a veteran’s home, at a VA contracted community living center, or an adult day health center. This allows a family caregiver to take care of their own obligations and needs, like going to a doctor’s appointment or visiting with a friend.
To qualify for the VA’s Home Respite Care, a veteran must meet the following requirements:[07]
The Veteran Directed Care program gives the veteran a budget to spend on services chosen by the veteran or their representative. The amount of money a veteran can receive through this program depends on the individual’s needs. However, the amount won’t typically exceed what the care would cost if the veteran were receiving care in a skilled nursing facility. The selected services should assist the veteran with personal care activities, such as preparing food or showering.
Some veterans may prefer the flexibility of this program compared to the less flexible Homemaker and Home Health Aide program. A counselor with the VA will typically help the veteran and their family set up a spending plan. The counselor can also generally assist the veteran and their family with hiring workers to provide services.[08]
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The amount the VA pays for home care for veterans can vary greatly based on the program the veteran uses, disability status, and other factors.
For spouses or family members of veterans, the amount the VA pays for home care will depend on their eligibility and care needs. Examples of benefits that may help spouses and family members pay for home care include the following:
A VA case manager or VA social worker may be able to help veterans and their family members to understand their eligibility and how much the VA can cover to meet home care needs. You can contact the VA online or by phone 24/7 at 800-698-2411 for assistance. People who need an interpreter can call 800-698-2411, but they’ll need to select 0 to connect with an agent and request an interpreter for their language.
Navigating the many VA benefits, programs, and services available for veterans can be challenging. Providing the correct documentation and filling out the right forms can be overwhelming. Family caregivers can help by learning more about VA home care programs through the VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274. They can also contact the VA’s Caregiver Support Coordinator. A Place for Mom’s trusted, VA-accredited partner Patriot Angels can also provide assistance to veterans navigating their home care options.
Note: A Place for Mom may be compensated if you choose to use Patriot Angels’ services.
In some cases, veterans or their surviving spouses may prefer to seek home care outside of the VA. In this case, the Senior Living Advisors at A Place for Mom can help your family discover veteran-friendly home care options that meet your unique needs.
Calculating veterans’ home care hours depends on the program providing the services. A veteran’s specific case may be managed by a care coordinator, case manager, or social worker who can provide answers to questions about the specific home care services a veteran receives.
Veterans can seek case management and social work services through the Department of Veterans Affairs Care Management and Social Work . The best way to connect with this department to determine eligibility and case management needs is to contact your local VA location.
Yes, the VA pays for various homemaker services through the Homemaker Home Health Aide Care program for qualified veterans. Through this program, caregivers assist veterans with personal care tasks and activities of daily living, helping them to continue living independently, in their home.
Yes, a veteran with dementia can receive supports through VA home-based primary care. To qualify, they must have difficulty making and keeping VA clinic visits due to the severity of their illness.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023, February 15). Homemaker and home health aide care.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, August 15). VA caregiver support program: VA in-home and support services.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023, November 20). Skilled home health care.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023, February 15). Hospice care.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA Telehealth.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023, October 18). Geriatrics and extended care: Telehealth.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023, November 20). Geriatrics and extended care: Respite care.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023, October 18). Veteran-directed care.
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