What is Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)?

VDC is a collaborative program between the Veteran Administration (VA) Healthcare System and Aging and Disability Network Agencies (ADNAs). It gives Veterans the opportunity to receive in-home services in a self-directed manner for those who need care. This program is designed to keep Veterans of all ages and disabilities in their communities.

• This program negates the use of home health agencies through the VA Optum Program and allows veterans to hire their own personal care assistant (PCA) or hired caregiver.
• This also allows Veterans to have greater access, choice, and control over their long-term care services by empowering them to:​
• Decide what mix of services will best meet their needs.​
• Hire their own PCA (including, but not limited to, a family member, friend, or neighbor).
• Purchase items or services that will assist the Veteran in living safely and independently in his/her home.​

ADNAs Partnership Role

Supportive Services:

• ADNAs assume the primary role in implementing and facilitating services for Veterans enrolled in VDC.​
• ADNAs provide a Person-Centered Counselor who assists Veterans in determining what services will be purchased/paid for with the Veteran's annual budget. ​
• The Veteran's annual budget is the allowance that a Veteran qualifies for based on Case Mix Rate (a calculated value that reflects the estimated cost of providing healthcare to a specific Veteran based on their individual health needs and complexity) and state and county of residence. ​
• A Person-Centered Counselor will also assist the Veteran in developing a spending plan, which the VA reviews and approves prior to implementation. Spending plans are reviewed monthly to ensure that all needs are addressed.​
• Provide care coordination ​
• Contract with a Financial Management Service Agency (FMS), which assists in managing the Veteran's annual budget. ​
• The FMS pays employees/PCAs directly, manages IRS paperwork, and files taxes. ​
• Funds are not paid directly to the Veteran.

You Can Help!

Veteran-Directed Care Workers Needed

Veterans!

Apply today for the Veteran-Directed Care program!