VETERAN-DIRECTED CARE
Enabling Veterans to direct their own long-term care services.
The Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) Program is a VA program that empowers Veterans to direct their own long-term care services. It allows Veterans to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible by providing them with a budget to purchase goods and services they need to support their independence. This includes the ability to hire, train and supervise their own caregivers.​
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Through an AIHS Options Counselor, the Veteran will receive facilitated assessment and care service planning, arrangements for fiscal management services, and ongoing options counseling and support for themselves, their families and their caregivers.
Key Features of VDC:
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Veterans have control over their care, deciding what services they need and who provides them.
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Veterans receive a budget to manage and spend on their chosen services.
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The program focuses on the individual needs and preferences of each Veteran.
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Services are provided in the Veteran's home or community, rather than in a nursing home.
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The program also supports family caregivers by providing resources and training.
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An AIHS Options Counselor is available to provide support throughout the program.
How it Works:
You contact your VA primary care physician or social worker and request a referral to the VDC Program.
You will be assessed for eligibility, needs and goals and a flexible budget will be established.
You will be referred to an AIHS Options Counselor who will assist you in directing your own services.
Eligibility:
Veteran-Directed Care may be a good fit for you if:​
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You are a Veteran of any age​​
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You are enrolled in VA health care or will be soon
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You want to live in your own home
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You're interested in directing your own services
To participate, Veterans must be enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and meet all VA eligibility requirements. A referral to the VA must be submitted by the VA primary care physician or social worker. The VA will assess eligibility and make an appropriate referral to AIHS.
INTERESTED IN VETERAN-DIRECTED CARE?
Contact your VA primary care physician or social worker and ask to be referred to the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this service free? Yes. The VDC Program is a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) working with the Aging & Disability Network through the Administration on Community Living (ACL).
What if the VA tells me I don't qualify? You can call AIHS and speak to an Options Counselor for information on other home and community based services you may qualify for.
Why can't I just call AIHS directly to enroll in VDC? To receive a budget for services, you must go through the VA eligibility process.
Is there an age requirement for the VDC Program? No, the program is available to Veterans of all ages who need assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed); or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., preparing meals).
Can I get support for my family too? Some services through the VDC Program are available to support Veterans, their family and caregiver. An AIHS Options Counselor can assist the Veteran's family and caregivers in finding appropriate services they might qualify for without having access to the VDC budget.