SEEKING HOME CARE l

Five tips for veterans seeking home care

Did you know that as a veteran, you may be eligible for benefits that help cover the expense of home care services? If you or your spouse need assistance with activities of daily living like dressing, bathing, eating or mobility, memory care, or other support for disability or illness, your Veteran Affairs benefits may cover services like personal care, memory care and disability support.

Several VA benefits may cover the expense of home care, and, in many cases, veterans are eligible for more than one program.

Here are five tips veterans can take to connect with a home care provider:

1. LEARN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS

Not all veterans have access to the same benefits. You’ll need to inquire about what programs you’re eligible for in order to make sure you take the path that’s best for you. The VA website, https://www.va.gov, provides information on the various benefits and how to determine if you’re eligible. Look through these descriptions and get a general understanding of what you might be eligible for.

2. GO TO YOUR LOCAL VA CLINIC

Here, you can get registered to receive VA benefits. Tell the VA doctor your reason for visiting and what you’re trying to accomplish. Even though you only need to spend a small amount of time at the VA clinic to get the information you want, it’s still best to develop a personal relationship with at least one doctor there. Stay in touch and keep them up to date with your current situation.

3. GET HELP ACCESSING YOUR BENEFITS

Navigating your VA benefits can be daunting, which is why there are a number of outside organizations designed to help veterans navigate their benefits. Foundations like the Wounded Warrior Project, the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization,

AidandAttendance.com and other consultation services exist to make the process a little easier. Programs like VetAssist and AVCC (American Veterans Care Connection) are also specifically intended to help veterans apply for the Aid and Attendance pension.

4. FIND A HOME CARE PROVIDER THAT IS

CONTRACTED WITH THE VA

SYNERGY HomeCare is a good option; many of our agencies are contracted with the VA, making it easy to use your VA benefits to get the quality in-home support you deserve. Several SYNERGY HomeCare locations are also owned and operated by veterans themselves, who are eager to serve those who served.

5. PRIORITIZE SPECIFIC QUALITIES WHEN CHOOSING A HOME CARE PROVIDER

Look for three qualities from a home care provider: They should be passionate, offer personalized care and be your partner in your care. Finding the right care provider is a critical step and you should never settle for less than what you deserve.

As a veteran, you may be entitled to home care services that can enhance your quality of life. Talk to a SYNERGY HomeCare representative today. We are honored to serve you. WHERE TO FIND HELP

Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA)

va.gov l (800) 698-2411

The VA is the federal agency responsible for providing VA benefits and services to eligible U.S. military veterans and family members. Visit va.gov for more information about the Aid and

Attendance benefit and Housebound

allowance well as the Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care benefit.

VA Caregiver Support Program

caregiver.va.gov l (855) 260-3274

The VA Caregiver Support Program offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. The program’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of family caregivers who care for our nation’s veterans, through education, resources, support and services.