Veterans Support

The Veteran Directed Care program is a partnership with the Veteran’s Administration and ElderSource. The program is designed to help keep Veterans in their own homes and gives Veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive services from a caregiver of their choosing. Veteran Directed Care is part of the Veterans Health Administration Standard Medical Benefits Package. 

There are no age restrictions or service-connected requirements to qualify for the Veteran Directed Care. The program, initiated by your VA physician and coordinated by ElderSource, offers Veterans a Person-Centered Counselor who works with you and your family to provide support when you need it most. To be eligible for the program Veterans must:

  • Be enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration
  • Meet functional eligibility criteria as determined by the VA
  • Be able to direct their own services or appoint someone on their behalf to direct their own services.

The Veteran or a representative hires and schedules all care providers, services providers, and necessary supplies. It is very common for a Veteran to hire family members, including their spouses, neighbors and/or friends to provide them with personal care. 

Talk with your VA social worker to find out what specific help you may be able to receive as a part of this program. Examples of daily activities you may be able to receive help with include:

  • Eating
  • Getting Dressed
  • Personal Grooming
  • Bathing

For additional resources, read more from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or download a shareable PDF. For more information or to sign up for the program, call the ElderSource HelpLine toll free at 1(888)242-4464.

 

Additional Resources for Veterans

Veterans in Crisis

If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with caring and qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves.  Available day or night – 24/7 this is a live connection and serves Veterans, their families, and friends. This number will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) and is now active across the United States.

Call 988 and select 1

  • Text 838255
  • Start a confidential chat
  • Call TYY if you have hearing loss 800-799-4887

Additional resources are available at VeteransCrisisLine.net