Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) Program Details

With VDC, the Veteran can direct his/her own personal care services.

Eligible Veterans are approved for an annual budget that can be used to purchase personal care assistance and specific goods/ services that help the Veteran live independently in their community.

Person-Centered Counselors will manage Veterans' employer responsibilities and financial management services. (No funds are paid directly to the Veteran.)

VDC Qualified Veterans are responsible for:

• Hiring their own personal care aides
• Purchasing needed items and services within the Veteran-developed/VA-approved spending plan.
• Following all program guidelines
• Recruiting, interviewing, training, supervision, reviewing/approving timesheets, determining employee wages, and evaluating their own support workers.
• Working with VA-approved Aging and Disability Network Agencies (ADNA)

Who is Eligible

• Veterans who have complex and/or chronic medical needs
• Veterans who require long-term assistance with activities of daily living / personal care.
• Active with Louis Stokes VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Cleveland
• VAMC / Primary Care Provider has seen the Veteran within the last year.
• Clinical criteria must be met.
• Veterans interested in coordination of their own care.
• Veterans who have identified a hired caregiver.

Provided Services

The Veteran or Veteran's Authorized Representative partners with the Aging and Disability Network Agencies (ADNA) VDC provider to determine what services will be purchased with the annual budget.

These services include:

• Personal care tasks: bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and medication management.
• Adult Day Care Program
• Meals on Wheels or other home delivery services.
• Respite Care—care provided by others to give a break to primary caregivers.
• Care Coordination—provided by ADNA. The ADNA will assist with the development of a plan for how to utilize program services.
• The Financial Management Services (FMS) will manage IRS requirements and payroll.

*The Veteran-Directed Care Program is a collaboration of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. 

*Veterans can also be enrolled on a Medicaid Waiver.