Honoring Service, Ensuring Independence: An In-Depth Look at the Delta Center’s Veteran-Directed Care Program
Our Veterans are precious. They have served and protected our country well, and it is only right that we do the same in return. However, this does not always happen. Many aging and disabled Veterans are now facing the possibility of being put in care facilities despite wanting to remain in their homes and maintain independence. This is why Delta Center is proud to offer the Veteran-Directed Care Program in association with the Veterans Administration (VA). If you or a loved one are an aging and/or disabled veteran who receives primary care through the VA, this program may be perfect for you. To help you get to know more about this program and how it could help you or a loved one, here is an in-depth look at the Veteran-Directed Care Program offered by the VA and Delta Center.
Level of Care
When you first start the process for getting involved with the Veteran-Directed Care program (VDC) your VA medical center will work with you to determine your eligibility for the program. Eligibility is not determined by age, but instead by your enrollment in VA health care and how you fit the clinical need for the program. If your VA medical center determines that you are eligible, they will then work with you to help determine your level of care. This is where you and your VA medical center will figure out what you need in terms of in-home care and any other assistance that might be necessary. They will also assign a monthly budget based on your needs. If you or your loved one feel that they are unable to serve as their own representative during this process, a Designated Representative can take over. This Representative will be someone chosen by you or your loved one to help move the process along and make the best decisions possible. In addition, during this process, Delta Center is able to offer Fiscal Management Services to support agencies that offer the options counseling part of the VDC.
Veterans Remain in Their Homes
Among the many benefits of the VDC program, one of the most important is it enables veterans to remain in their homes while receiving the care they need instead of being placed in care facilities and potentially losing their homes. Once your VA medical center assigns a budget, you will start working with Delta Center, which is the local VDC provider. It is with Delta Center that you will design your personalized in-home care plan according to your specific needs.
Choose Your Own Employees
While working with your VDC provider, you will be able to choose and hire your own care attendants. These can be qualified individuals you are familiar with like family members, or someone you recruit and hire. This way, you will have control over your care plan, always knowing who will be around, who will be helping you, and the schedule they will be helping you on.
Connects You to Community Resources
Another great benefit of the VDC program is that both your VDC provider and your VA medical center are able to connect you with a number of other resources and supports you may need during your long-time care program. Delta Center itself has connections with countless centers and resources, such as disability-specific organizations, prescription programs, services animals and more. The care offered through the VDC program is comprehensive and thorough, helping you in every possible way it can.
Taking care of our Veterans is incredibly important to us. This program prioritizes the wishes of each Veteran regarding their care and independence, giving them the respect and autonomy they deserve. They have served our country, and it is time we serve them. If you or a loved one is interested in this program, contact your primary care physician at the VA medical center or reach out to Amanda Kerly at Delta Center.