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Veteran-Directed Care Services
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What is Veteran-Directed Care?
Veteran Directed Care (VDC) is a collaborative program between the Veteran Administration (VA) Healthcare System and the Aging and Disability Network Agencies (ADNA) / Area Agency on Aging. VDC is a program that gives Veterans the opportunity to receive in-home services in a self-directed manner for Veterans that meet nursing home level of care. This program is designed to keep Veterans of all ages and disabilities in their communities and avoid nursing home placement.
- This negates the use of HHA agencies through Optum (VA Program) and allows the Veteran to hire their own personal care assistant (PCA) or hired caregiver.
- Allows Veterans to have greater access, choice, and control over their long-term care services by empowering Veterans 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.
Veteran Directed Care – Relationship with ADNA / Area Agency on Aging
Role of ADNA / Area Agency on Aging:
- The ADNA/Area Agency on Aging assumes the primary role in the implementation and facilitation of services for Veterans enrolled in VDC.
- Provides Person-Centered Counselor that assists Veterans in determining what services will be purchased with the annual budget.
- The Annual Budget is the annual allowance that a Veteran qualifies based on Case Mix Rate and State/County of residence.
- The Person-Centered Counselor will also assist the Veteran in developing a Spending Plan, which is reviewed and approved by VA prior to implementation. Spending Plans are reviewed monthly to ensure that all needs are addressed.
- Provides Care Coordination
- Contract with a Financial Management Service Agency (FMS), who 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.
To determine if you qualify for the VDC Program, please contact the VDC Social Worker, Christopher Matthews, LSW, at (216) 956-4417.
If you are enrolled and need to reach your Person-Centered Counselor, please call 216-727-2852.