Veterans have made great sacrifices for our country, often resulting in physical and emotional challenges. As individuals get older or face difficulties related to their military service, the necessity for specialized VA home care grows.
Home care services offer veterans the personalized assistance necessary to preserve their independence, dignity, and quality of life. Understanding how these services can benefit veterans and their families, is essential for ensuring that those who have served our county receive the care and respect they deserve.
What Are VA Home Care Services?
As veterans age, many are opting to stay in their homes, valuing the comfort, familiarity, and sense of independence that their home provides. VA home care is in-home care provided by home care agencies that is offered to veterans and the spouses of veterans who are eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA benefits they receive can be put towards the cost of VA home care the helps veterans live comfortably and independently in their homes.
Ranging from daily living assistance to comprehensive personal care, home care services provide tailored support to meet the needs of veterans at home.
What are the Benefits of VA Home Care?
VA home care services offer a variety of support to help improve the lives of veterans through care and assistance in the comfort of their own homes. Tailored to the individual needs of veterans, these services provide specialized care to ensure veterans’ needs are met.
Benefits of VA Home Care include:
- Personalized Care: Customized care plans are created for veterans to receive care that addresses their specific health needs.
- Comfort and Familiarity: Home health care programs allow veterans to receive care in the comfort of their own homes, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Independence: Veterans who receive care at home are often more comfortable and receptive to receiving care than veterans who stay in nursing homes.
- Family Caregiver Support: Programs are available to offer resources and support for family caregivers, helping them manage the demands of caregiving while allowing the veteran to receive continuous care.
- Cost-Effective Care: Eligible veterans can receive VA home care, which can be a more affordable option compared to long-term care facilities.
Who Benefits from VA Home Care?
VA home care is not a one-size fits all solution; rather, it provides customized support to veterans based on their specific conditions and circumstances.
By identifying who can benefit from VA home care, veterans and their families can better understand how these services are available to provide support with challenges and improve overall quality of life.
Elderly Veterans
As veterans age, they may experience various health issues that impact their daily lives. VA home care offers crucial assistance to elderly veterans by helping with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Physical therapy and medication management are utilized to assist in enhancing mobility and managing chronic conditions within the comfort of one’s home.
Veterans with Disabilities
Veterans with service-related disabilities may need specialized care to effectively manage their conditions. VA home care is especially beneficial for these individuals, as they offer tailored medical treatments, rehabilitation services, and personal assistance to meet the unique needs of individuals.
Veterans with Chronic Health Conditions
Ongoing management and support are necessary for chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues. VA home care services ensure veterans with chronic conditions receive proper medical attention and monitoring to maintain their health. Home care services encompass scheduled visits by healthcare professionals and medical management, aimed at enhancing disease management and overall well-being.
Veterans Recovering from Surgery or Injury
Home care provides a supportive environment for veterans to recover from surgery or injuries. Various services like physical therapy, wound care, and nursing assistance are delivered to the veteran at home to enhance the recovery process. In-home care assists veterans in rebuilding their physical abilities and reduces the necessity for frequent hospital visits.
Caregivers of Veterans
Family caregivers have an important role in supporting veterans, and VA home care provides advantages for them too. Services such as respite care offer temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their caregiving duties while ensuring the veteran receives continuous care. Furthermore, VA home care programs provide resources and training to caregivers to assist them in better managing the challenges of caregiving.
VA Home Health Care Programs
The United States Veterans Affairs, or VA, offers a variety of home care services designed for supporting veterans in maintaining their independence at home.
Homemaker & Home Health Aide Care
A Homemaker and Home Health Aide is a professional who can assist veterans in their homes with daily tasks and personal care needs. This program is designed for veterans of all ages who need assistance and support with activities of daily living (ADLs). It is also intended for veterans who feel isolated, or for caregivers who need extra support.
Examples of daily activities include:
- Eating
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Transportation
Skilled Home Health Care
The VA offers specialized home care services for veterans provided by licensed healthcare professionals, offering in-home medical care and support. With a focus on medical care, this program is made for veterans who need more intensive medical assistance than is typically provided by regular home care services. This type of care is often used in combination with other care programs.
Depending on the needs of the veteran, they may receive:
- A Home Safety Evaluation
- IV Antibiotics or Home Infusion
- Wound Care/Catheter Care
- Physical Therapy Visits
- Speech Therapy Visits
Respite Care
Offered as a service to provide temporary relief to family caregivers who are caring for a veteran at home, respite care is a valuable service offered by the VA. This program includes care for a short time when family caregivers need a break, run errands, or go out of town for a few days.
Like the Homemaker & Home Health Aide program, this program is beneficial for veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), or caregivers who need extra support.
How Can I Determine Which Program is Best for My Loved One?
Understanding who can benefit from VA home care and the various programs available is essential for ensuring veterans and their families receive the care and support they need to enhance their overall well-being.
The type of care needed varies depending on the condition and circumstances of the situation. Navigating the eligibility and enrollment process can be tough without assistance. Resources through the VA are available to help veterans and their families select a program that is right for them.
Some home health care agencies, such as Assisting Hands Home Care, offer transitional care assistance to help veterans and their families make these tough decisions. The professionals at these agencies have adequate knowledge and resources available to help families find the best home care program for their loved one.
Assisting Hands Home Care is an approved provider of VA home care. Compassionate caregivers will provide quality home care to eligible veterans and their spouses to help them live safely and comfortably at home.
About Daniela Momtcheva
Daniela earned her master’s degree in electronic engineering with a pedagogical specialty from the Technical University in Sofia, Bulgaria. She later went on to study at D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics in Svishtov, Bulgaria where she earned her master’s degree in marketing management.
After completing her schooling, Daniela worked at “Dr. Ivan Seliminski” Hospital in Sliven, Bulgaria for 6 years as the Director of Business Marketing Development and Public Relations.
Starting Assisting Hands Home Care
After immigrating to the U.S., Daniela spent more than 14 years as the Assistant Vice President of a national bank before becoming a co-owner of Assisting Hands Home Care of Schaumburg.
Her background in public relations and marketing along with her personal experience caring for her mother overseas makes Daniela qualified and passionate about helping families in the Schaumburg, IL area find exceptional caregiving services for their elderly loved ones.
Besides providing home care, Daniela enjoys giving back to her community in her free time. Through various events at St. Peter Parish in Geneva, IL such as fundraising, school projects, charity events, and more, Daniela values giving back. She also enjoys volunteering for the Humanitarian Service Project in Carol Stream, IL. This organization provides seniors with meals as well as gathering food and supplies for children living in poverty.
