The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program, often
facilitated through Centers for Independent Living (CILs), allows veterans
needing skilled services or assistance with daily living to manage their own
care budget and hire caregivers, including family members. It enables veterans
to remain in their homes, promoting independence, control, and choice over
long-term care services.
Key Aspects of the VDC Program:
- Target
Audience: Veterans of all ages who need home and community-based
services to avoid nursing home placement.
- Flexibility: Participants
receive a flexible budget to hire their own personal care aids, which can
include family, friends, or neighbors.
- Role
of CILs: Centers for Independent Living act as partners in the
program, helping veterans develop care plans, manage their budgets, and
navigate services.
- Eligibility: Generally,
for veterans with complex, chronic medical needs requiring long-term care,
though a specific service-connected disability rating is not required.
- Support: VDC
is a partnership between the VA VA.gov and the Administration
for Community Living (ACL).
The program aims to increase satisfaction, as over 95% of
participants report that it meets their needs. Veterans interested in the
program should contact their local VA Medical Center for a referral.