Veterans

Family Choice is honored to serve the nation’s veterans. We appreciate and respect those that have defended our borders and secured our freedom with their own lives. We will work with you and your loved ones to navigate the Veterans Administration system as you secure your home healthcare benefit which includes skilled home health care services (SHHC) and Homemaker and Home Health Aide Services (H/HHA). We know that in many instances, this process can take some time.

Each case is unique when filing application documents with the VA and carries its own set of challenges. Processing time and responsiveness can also depend upon which center handles the claim. How complete the application package is will also impact the process. Expect the application process to take months for processing and the receipt of a determination letter. Due to the current backlog of claims this timeframe can be extended.

We understand that many families can’t afford to pay for care while waiting for the pension to be approved and funds to be released, which places an additional burden. We will work with you to explore other payment and service arrangements as you secure your benefits.

Some Assisted Living Facilities will work with you if they know the resident qualifies for veteran benefits. The good news is – all benefits are retroactively offered from the original filing date. If your loved one is 70 or older, you should request the application process be expedited. The Veterans Administration literature states that applications for benefits for a veteran/widow 70 or older are to be given priority. It is advised that you include a cover letter with the application noting this request.

We know that our service men and women sometimes have special needs in addition to the standard activities of daily life. We are here to help with them.

We will find the right person to work with you and your loved one. Our services for veterans are the same as all our clients but with greater understanding and care given their condition and the honor that they deserve: assistance with the activities of daily living, respite care for a caregiver, recovery at home and working with your family member if there’s a long-distance care scenario.

SHHC is short-term health care services that can be provided to Veterans if they are homebound or live far away from VA. The care is delivered by a community-based home health agency that has a contract with VA. SHHC is for Veterans who need skilled services, case management, and assistance with activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed) or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., fixing meals and taking medicines); are isolated or their caregiver is experiencing burden.

The services of a Home Health Aide can help Veterans remain living in their own home and can serve Veterans of any age. A Homemaker or Home Health Aide can be used as a part of an alternative to nursing home care, and to get respite care at home for Veterans and their family caregiver.

The VA’s Family Caregivers Program provides support and assistance to caregivers of post 9/11 Veterans and Service Members being medically discharged.  Eligible primary Family Caregivers can receive a stipend, training, mental health services, travel and lodging reimbursement, and access to health insurance if they are not already under a health care plan. For more information, contact your local VA medical facility and speak with a Caregiver Support Coordinator, visit www.caregiver.va.gov or dial toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Caregivers constantly balance the needs of their loved one with their own needs. For the caregiver that simply needs a break, Family Choice offers respite care. Whether it’s a weekend, the holiday season or a special occasion, we have someone trained to fill in for you while you relax or to simply offer companionship while you run errands. The idea is for you to have the peace of mind to take time off, knowing that your loved one is going to be well taken care of at home.

If you are being released from the hospital or a rehab facility and need time to recover at home, we can help.

Family Choice can assist you when your loved one does not live nearby. New job opportunities and other life challenges can force adult children and potential caregivers to be separated from their loved ones by many miles. Sometimes loved ones may retire to communities for warmer climates or proximity to friends and hobbies, but when their lives require qualified home care in a place other than where you live, Family Choice can help. We also leverage technology so you can regularly be in touch with us and your loved one.

Being separated from a loved one can be stressful, so we want you to have peace of mind knowing that they are properly being cared for in your absence. We can help you assemble a plan that makes sense, fully supports your loved one, and brings minimal disruption to your life and theirs.

For more information on Veterans Administration healthcare benefits visit their website: www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/access/home_health_care.asp

Please visit our Resources page and click on the Veteran Benefits & Eligibility link.