What is Aide and Attendance?
The United States Department of Veteran Affairs offers in-home services to this county's veteran who has been wounded or could use extra help around the home due to their service. Once a veteran is deemed eligible, they contract with a company such as ourselves to provide that one on one care. Caregivers can aid a veteran in various daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. They can also help prepare meals and perform minor house cleaning tasks. However, there are some limitations on what caregivers can do for a veteran these include handling medication, anything involving cutting (hair or nails), and wound care. These tasks are often reserved for nurses only due to legal stipulations. These HHAs are provided to a veteran through a contracted organization (such as our own) and the VA either pay the company directly or in some cases will give you reimbursement for services you paid for. The organization and the veteran or veteran loved one will work together to set up a schedule for caregivers to come into the home, based on the allotted hours of care the VA has recommended. There are also instances where respite care will be provided as well. This type of care gives the veteran’s primary caregiver a break to do errands or other personal tasks. These hours are often over a yearly period and can be used at the veteran’s wish, as long as they do not exceed their allotted respite hours.
Ok if I get services, what services am I eligible for?
HHA services often include helping a veteran with:
- Bathing
- Getting Dressed
- Grooming
- Meal Preparation
- Feeding
- Moving from place to place
- Going to appointments
- Using the bathroom
That’s interesting but how do I know if I am eligible for these services?
Home Health Aide services are part of a veterans VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, therefore all that are enrolled are eligible if they meet the VA’s clinical need for the service. This is evaluated by a VA doctor who can prescribe HHA services. This often is often prescribed for veterans who are not able to take care of themselves anymore and need help doing the particular tasks mentioned above. A copay may be charged based on a veteran’s VA service-connected disability status. Service-connected disabilities are often the lead reason HHA services are prescribed but those with age-related debilities can also be eligible. So contact your veteran’s primary VA physician today.