The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is well-known for providing comprehensive health care benefits through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Among these is a vital service that might not be as widely recognized: long-term in-home care. The VA’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide program (H/HHA) is a crucial component of this service. Let’s delve into how veterans and their caregivers can benefit from this program.

The H/HHA program is part of the VA’s range of home and community-based services. Its primary aim is to support veterans in remaining safe and independent in their own homes. Trained homemakers and home health aides, under the supervision of registered nurses, assist veterans by providing personal care, daily activity support, companionship, and respite care for family caregivers. This program can be combined with other VA services, although availability may vary.

This program includes assistance with various daily tasks to support veterans in living safely and independently at home.

Services provided by homemakers and home health aides may include:

• Light housekeeping for a safe and sanitary living environment
• Laundry for the patient’s comfort and cleanliness
• Meal preparation and grocery shopping
• Escorting the patient to necessary appointments

Home health aides can assist with activities such as:

• Bathing, toileting, and eating
• Dressing and ambulation
• Assistance with medical equipment and routine health monitoring
• Active and passive exercises

These services not only benefit the veterans but also provide respite and peace of mind for their family caregivers.

Note: Eligibility for skilled home health care services differs from the standard home health care program.

To be eligible, a veteran must:

• Be enrolled in a VA health care benefits package.
• Qualify for community care services.
• Have a doctor’s order for home care services.

Most veterans with active military service and an honorable discharge qualify for VA health care benefits. Those not yet enrolled are encouraged to apply online, by phone (877-222-8387), by mail, or in person at a VA center.

Veterans may qualify for community care when the VA cannot provide the needed care. One key criterion for eligibility is if “no VA facility offers the required services.”

A clinical need must be demonstrated for these services. This might include dependencies in ADLs or significant cognitive impairment, among other criteria. A formal care plan will document the assessment and recommend the type and duration of services needed.

Once eligibility is confirmed, veterans are referred to a home care agency within the VA’s community care network.

The VA uses a national Community Care Network (CCN) of licensed health care providers. Veterans are usually given priority consideration for their preferences in selecting a provider.

The VA covers most in-home care costs for eligible veterans. For non-service-connected H/HHA services, no copayments are assessed for the first 21 days of care in a 12-month period. After that, the daily copay rate is reasonable compared to private care costs.

Finding the right home care option can be complex, but Care Plan Inc. can help simplify your search. Our Care Advisors can connect you with home care providers, even if you live outside of a VA network. For those who don’t qualify for the VA home care program or need additional support, we’ll work with you to find suitable services for your loved one’s needs and budget.