Proudly Serving Veterans: Providing Care, Honoring Your Service
As the number of aging veterans grows nationwide, the need for personalized senior care can become a major concern for them and their families. The financial aspects can sometimes be the biggest challenge.
Many older adults who served in the U.S. military — including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard — aren’t aware they may be eligible for in-home personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration (VA).
Who Qualifies For Veterans Benefits?
If your loved one served in the U.S. military, they may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for home care. Veterans may qualify for personal home care or health benefits through the VA if they meet the following criteria:
- Served in the active military, naval, or air service and were separated under any condition other than dishonorable.
- Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty (other than for training only) by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or ordered to active duty.
How Do Veterans Benefits Work?
U.S. military veterans may qualify for personal care benefits through the Aid and Attendance or the Community Care Network programs.
Here’s how each program works:
- Aid and Attendance benefits
Veterans who receive a VA pension may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits if they need help with daily activities, are bed-bound, live in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight. Veterans may qualify for “Housebound” benefits if they need to spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. In most cases, benefits are paid directly to the veteran and added to their monthly pension.
- Community Care Network benefits
Veterans who qualify for Community Care Network benefits may be eligible for assistance with home-health care costs. Qualified veterans will be assigned to a service care coordinator, who will determine how many hours per week the veteran requires care and will help the family connect with caregivers in their area. Community Care Network benefits are paid directly to partner organizations.
How Can Families Apply For Veterans Benefits?
Families can apply for personal care benefits through the Veterans Administration by completing the 10-10EZ form and sending it to the Veterans Administration.
Veterans can also visit a local Veterans Center and ask to speak to a service coordinator, social worker, discharge planner, or case manager. These staff members can assist veterans with their applications and answer questions about the program.
You must provide identification and documentation of your loved one’s veteran status. You may also be asked to provide financial statements or medical documents. Your VA service coordinator can provide more information about the documents you must provide with your application.
When Should Seniors Apply For Veterans’ Benefits?
The best time to apply for home care benefits through the VA is before your loved one needs to use them. Application processing times can be lengthy, and the application should be started as soon as possible to avoid paying out of pocket for in-home care while you wait for approval.
How We Can Support You:
At Visiting Angels, we understand that navigating the process of obtaining in-home care services can be complex, especially for veterans. That's why we are committed to providing clear guidance and support every step of the way. Below is an overview of the process:
1. Appointment with Primary Care Physician
Make an appointment and undergo a health assessment with a Primary Care Physician within the VA Health System. If a need for care is identified during this appointment, your Primary Care Physician will send a referral to your VA caseworker for further evaluation.
2. Quantity of Care and Your Choice of Home Care Agency
Your VA caseworker will determine the type and quantity of care you qualify for. Your caseworker will discuss the home care agencies in your area that are licensed with the VA, at this time you have the option to request an agency yourself. If you do not request an agency, one will be assigned to you.
3. Referral is Sent to Home Care Agency
Your caseworker will send a referral to the chosen home care agency. Upon receipt of the referral, the home care agency will confirm you as a client.
4. Care Schedule Created
If Visiting Angels is chosen as your home care agency, we will work with you to create a care schedule that fits within the guidelines of the referral. We understand the importance of compatibility between caregivers and clients. Our matching process ensures that the caregivers are not only qualified but also a personality match with the client.
Attached Documents:
Community Care Network Guide: This guide provides detailed information about accessing care through the VA's Community Care Network, outlining eligibility criteria and benefits.
VA Benefits Guide: A comprehensive guide that explains various VA benefits available to veterans, including those related to in-home care services.
Agency Request Template: This template can be used to request a home care agency of your choosing when deciding with your case worker. Of course we hope you choose Visiting Angels, however we are happy to provide this template as an additional resource to any Veteran who may need it.
By following this structured approach, we aim to make the transition to in-home care as seamless as possible for veterans and their families. For more information or to get started, please contact our office directly.
Serving Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades and Surrounding LA Area
Visiting Angels SANTA MONICA, CA
401 Wilshire Blvd. 12th Floor #60Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310-857-9377
HCO #194700892