Veteran Directed Care
The Purpose of the Program and How it Works
WHAT IS THE VETERAN-DIRECTED CARE PROGRAM?
The Veteran-Directed Care Program (VDC) gives Veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive the home and community-based services they need in a self-directed manner. Veterans in this program are given a flexible budget for services that can be managed by the Veteran or the family caregiver. The Veteran-Directed Program can be used to help Veterans continue to live at home or in their community. As part of this program, Veterans and their caregivers have greater access, choice, and control over their long-term care services.
For example, Veterans can:
Decide for themselves what mix of services will best meet their needs.
Hire their own personal care aides (which might include a family member or neighbor).
Buy items and services to help them live independently in their home or community.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE VDC?
The Veteran-Directed Care Program is for Veterans who need home care services, case management, and assistance with activities of daily living (such as bathing and getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (such as fixing meals and taking medications); are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden.
All Veterans enrolled in VA’s health care system;
Have a primary care provider;
Those in need of nursing home-level care (as determined by eligibility criteria set by the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center); and
Those interested in directing their own care.
HOW IS CWDR HERE TO HELP?
CWDR is contracted with the Veterans Administration to support Veterans:
● Assist with establishing your Central Washington Disability Resources eligibility through the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC)
● Develop a Spending Plan
● Follow your Spending Plan
● Let someone know if you need help
● Work with your Independent Living Specialist
● Work with your Financial Management Services (FMS) provider
● Arrange to get the services, supports, and goods you need and pay for them according to your spending plan
● Hire and manage the people who will provide services and support, which may include replacing them if they are not working out for you.
● Keep records
● Follow the Central Washington Disability Resources guidelines
● Be accountable for the use of Central Washington Disability Resources funds
For more information on availability of VDC locally and for questions regarding eligibility, please contact your local VAMC. You can find your nearest VA location here: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp.
This is a fee-for-service program, it can be any county.
