Did you know that if you are a veteran the VA may well be able to cover the cost of you or your loved one’s home care? As a company founded by an army veteran, serving veterans has always been close to our hearts. Unfortunately, according to a study by the Connecticut VA and Paradigm, of the over 80,000 Connecticut veterans that qualify for home care services only 2% are taking advantage of that benefit in large part because they are unaware they qualify.
Below are several programs the VA offers here in CT that Can Help:
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Home Health Aid & Respite
Assists with the activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and grooming. The program also offers relief for family members to take breaks for personal time and errands.
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Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
In this program the primary family caregiver receives a stipend, health insurance access and 30 days of respite annually among other benefits. To be eligible the veteran must be enrolled in the VHA and need assistance with ADL’s.
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Veteran Directed Care
This program allows the veteran greater flexibility and control as they manage their own care. The veterans determine their own care plan and hire caregivers of their choice. To be eligible for community care they meet the clinical criteria for service
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VA Aid and Attendance Pension
One of the best kept secrets of the VA, this is an additional monetary benefit of between $1,478 to $2,727 per month for home care services. Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who require care may be eligible. This means that if you are a spouse of someone who served in the military you could also receive this benefit. These funds would allow you to pay for home care services you set up privately through Charter Oak Home Care or other home care companies. The beauty of the Aid & Attendance pension is that it is tax free and can be combined with home health aide services for additional support.
While the process of receiving benefits can be tricky to navigate, below are the 6 steps you will generally go through to receive home care benefits for a veteran or spouse of a veteran.
- Schedule an appointment with your PCP within the VA Health system
- Care need is identified and referral goes to a caseworker
- VA Caseworker authorizes appropriate care
- Veteran selects a home care agency of choice
- Referral is sent to the agency
- Care is scheduled
If you have questions about qualifying for and receiving VA benefits do not hesitate to call or email us. We work closely with the Connecticut VA and can help ensure you have the resources you need to determine eligibility and get the care you need. It is a privilege for us to come alongside families of those that have served our country.
COHC is credentialed by the VA
