THE VETERAN DIRECTED CARE PROGRAM EMPOWERS THE MILITARY COMMUNITY
If there's ever a group of people that understands the importance of independence, it’s the American Veteran. Fighting for America’s freedom is exactly what they do best. The Veteran Directed Care Program helps keep Veterans who may need medical assistance in power and calling their own shots. Services can help Veterans who may need help with everyday tasks but want to remain independent, living life on their own terms. Read next:Veterans Food Assistance Near Me Searches Highlight Food Insecurity
What Is the Veteran Directed Care Program?
Veterans with severe injuries can receive several benefits from the VA. Caregivers can be parents, spouses, children, step-family members, extended family members, or individuals who live with the Veteran but are not family members. The Veteran Directed Care Program provides those who need assistance with activities of daily living and personal care services for the help they need. Assistance can be provided for bathing, dressing, and preparing meals for Veterans. Even Veterans who are isolated or whose caregivers are burdened can also benefit from this program. Each Veteran or their representative is given a budget for services under the VA Veteran Directed Care Program. Those eligible can hire workers for a variety of daily needs with the help of a counselor to help them live at home or in their communities.
Services Offered
There are many services provided for Veteran care. The services that are available are based on your needs; however, they'll vary from location to location. Speaking with a social worker at the VA about what's offered at your location and what you qualify for is the best way to receive help. Veterans that are within the Veteran Directed Care Program, in part, receive assistance in creating a plan and hiring workers that help Vets retain their independence. Independence means different things to everyone. Here are some common examples of assistance listed by the VA:
- Bathing.
- Eating food.
- Getting around the house or town.
- Getting dressed for the day.
- Grooming.
- Shopping for groceries.
- Using the restroom.
Veterans have helped Americans retain their independence, and as they age, it’s only right that they receive the opportunity to retain their own. This is a great program from the VA that directly impacts the lives of those who have served our country.
Deciding on Care for Veterans
Keeping Veterans in charge of their own lives remains at the heart of what the Veteran Directed Care Program does. It’s a noble goal and an important decision for eligible Vets to make. Both the Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community and the Caregiver Self-Assessment are available resources that can help Veterans and their families make informed decisions about what’s best for the situation. Everyone is different, and so, too, are the needs of each individual. Situations that are affecting one Veteran may not have anything to do with another. The best course of action is for Veterans to speak with VA social workers and their medical providers to better assess their short and long-term care needs.
Do Surviving Spouses Qualify for Veteran Directed Care Program?
Eligibility is available to every Veteran enrolled if they fit the criteria for community care, meet the medical criteria for the service needed, and the services needed are available. Again, not all services are available to all locations, as they vary among Veteran Directed Care Program locations. If you're looking to determine your eligibility or find out which services are available at your location, you can search their website by zip code to learn more. For eligible participants, the Veteran Directed Care Program can be life-changing. Contact your local VA today to learn more about the options near you. Read next:Why PTSD Awareness Day Is So Important For Caregivers
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