Veteran In-Home Care
The Veterans Administration (VA) offers those who bravely served our country options to help cover the cost of aging in place. The experienced team at A Place At Home – Jacksonville Southeast is honored to deliver the quality of service we’re known for to veterans in our community.
Many senior veterans don’t realize they’re eligible for care services through the VA Community Care Networks.
Senior veterans can receive:
- Home health aide services
- Skilled home healthcare
- Home-based primary care
- Respite services for families and loved ones
- Adult day health care
- Telehealth
To get started, you’ll need to complete a health assessment with a primary care physician within the VA Health System. If your doctor identifies a need for care, your VA caseworker will determine the type and amount of care required and help you choose a home care agency, such as A Place At Home. After joining our network, we’ll provide you with outstanding in-home care.
We recognize that cost may be a concern for some veterans. While the VA covers some senior care services, it doesn’t cover everything. Additional programs, such as the Veterans Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Allowance, can help by increasing your monthly pension to cover the costs of in-home care, whether short-term or long-term.
The VA A&A was designed to assist those living with temporary or permanent illnesses and disabilities afford short- or long-term care. This program aims to provide financial support to veterans who require assistance with daily activities, ensuring they get the care they need to maintain a good quality of life.
There are certain criteria to be considered eligible for VA A&A benefits. First, you must have served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day occurring during a recognized period of war. Additionally, you must not have received a dishonorable discharge. These requirements ensure benefits are being directed toward those who have honorably served our nation and are in genuine need of financial assistance to afford their care.
To qualify for the basic pension, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be 65 or older with limited or no income
- Have a permanent and total disability
- Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
- Reside in a nursing home
Additionally, you must meet one of the following clinical requirements:
- Bedridden aside from medical or therapy appointments
- Severe visual impairment
- Reside in a nursing home due to physical or mental incapacity, including cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Require assistance with some ADLs, including (but not limited to) bathing, toileting, and dressing
Lastly, you must meet specific financial requirements. Factors such as your net worth and countable income, which includes out-of-pocket medical costs and health insurance premiums, are considered. The financial requirements can be complex, but A Place at Home – Jacksonville Southeast is happy to help you understand them.
The VA offers additional Housebound benefits to those who receive a VA pension and spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability. The Housebound Allowance is designed to offer financial support to veterans whose disabilities limit their ability to leave their home regularly, providing them with the resources and care they need to age comfortably at home.
That said, you cannot receive A&A and Housebound benefits at the same time. It’s important to carefully consider which program best suits your specific needs in order to maximize the assistance available to you. A Place at Home – Jacksonville Southeast provides personalized guidance to help you understand which program is right for you.
There are multiple ways to apply for VA A&A or Housebound benefits. The process can be confusing or complicated, but with A Place At Home, it doesn’t have to be. We’ll help you determine which benefits best fit your needs and guide you throughout the application process.
Senior veterans can file for benefits by mail or in person. To apply:
- Fill out VA Form 21-2680. You can have a physician fill out any examination information.
- Include evidence to support your application such as a doctor’s report, details regarding your daily activities and the type of illness or injury you have.
- If you’re in a nursing home, you’ll also need to fill out VA Form 21-0779.
- Mail your application to the Department of Veterans Affairs in Janesville, WI or submit your information at a VA regional office close to you.
For assistance with the above, feel free to contact our Jacksonville Southeast team. We’re happy to help!
Find a VA In-Home Caregiver in Neptune Beach
For those who have risked their lives in service, getting quality in-home care should be simple. Reach out to A Place At Home of Jacksonville Southeast, and we’ll help you navigate your VA benefits so you can get the care you deserve.