The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a comprehensive healthcare package to our veterans. But what many beneficiaries don’t know is that they can access home healthcare benefits through the program, through the VA’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide program (H/HHA). If you or someone you love is a veteran, you should be aware of these valuable benefits, so that you can access in-home care in the event that you ever need it.

The Homemaker and Home Health Aide program provides assistance with personal health care needs and other daily activities, by trained workers who come directly to the veteran in his/her home. The community-based program is supervised by a registered nurse, with the goal of helping veterans continue to live independently or with their family. Aside from valuable daily healthcare services, an in-home healthcare worker provides companionship and allows for respite for family members who might normally provide this care.

Each service provides for unique services, depending upon the individual’s needs. The health care services provided might include:

• Assistance with medical equipment
• Routine monitoring of health conditions or general health
• Help with exercise
• Abulating or transfers
• Assistance with dressing, eating, toileting, and bathing, as needed

But in-home healthcare isn’t solely focued on medical assistance. Homemakers or health aides can also assist clients with tasks such as:

• Laundry services
• Grocery shopping and meal preparation
• Escorting the client to appointments
• Light housekeeping necessary to maintain a safe and clean environment for the client

Providing these services to veterans helps not only them, but also their family members or other caretakers who need respite from these daily tasks. Those who receive in-home care services often remain at home longer, and avoid the need to move into a skilled nursing facility.

To qualify for the veterans home care program, an applicant must:

• Be enrolled in VA healthcare benefits
• Qualify for community care services
• Obtain a doctor’s order to receive in-home care services

For more information on this topic, contact us and we will refer to you a qualified service provider.