What is Veteran Directed Care?

Veteran Directed Care gives Veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive the Home and Community Based Services they need in a consumer-directed way.

This program is for Veterans who need personal care services and help with activities of daily living. Examples include help with bathing, dressing, or fixing meals. This program is also for Veterans who are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden.

Veterans in this program are given a budget for services that is managed by the Veteran or the Veteran’s representative. With the help of a counselor, Veterans hire their own workers to meet their daily needs to help them live at home or in their community.

Am I eligible for Veteran Directed Care?

All enrolled Veterans are eligible for Veteran Directed Care IF they are eligible for community care, meet the clinical criteria for the service, and it is available. Services may vary by location.

What services can I get?

Services are based on your assessed needs.  Talk with a VA social worker to find out what specific help you may be able to receive.

As a part of this program, Veterans or their representatives receive help developing a spending plan and hiring workers (which might include their own family member or neighbor) to help Veterans live independently in the community.

Examples of daily activities you may be able to receive help with include:

• Eating
• Getting dressed
• Personal grooming
• Bathing
• Using the bathroom
• Moving from one place to another
• Grocery Shopping

How do I decide if Veteran Directed Care is right for me?

You can use a Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community to help you figure out what home care services or long term care services may best meet your needs now or in the future.

There's also a Caregiver Self-Assessment. It can help your caregiver identify their own needs and decide how much support they can offer to you. Having this information from your caregiver, along with the involvement of your care team and social worker, will help you reach short-term and long-term care decisions.

Ask your social worker for these resources or download copies from the Making Decisions page at www.va.gov/Geriatrics.

If Veteran-Directed Care seems right for you, talk with your VA social worker and find out if it is available in your location.