VA Home Health Care Myrtle Beach
As we get older, we may need help in getting around and performing regular tasks. While assisted daily living is an option for some, others do not want this option. They want the freedom and independence they enjoyed all their life. After serving their country, our aging veterans deserve the best home health care Myrtle Beach SC available.
Grand Strand Comfort Care provides VA home health care in Myrtle Beach. We provide help for basic needs to allow our clients to receive care and assistance at home.
Our home health aides offer excellent health care services from the comfort of home. These are not nurses but dedicated health care professionals who want to help you feel better from the comfort of your own home.
As a veteran, it is essential to know if VA home health care is an option for you. So what is VA home health care? And how do you know if it is right for you? Let’s look at some common questions.
Who is Eligible for the Veterans Home Health Care Program?
The veterans home health care program is for seniors that have proudly served their country. Elderly veterans receive assistance in daily activities from the comfort of their own homes.
Veterans and their spouses must meet rigorous criteria to qualify for this benefit. Veterans had to serve for at least 90 days, within one day during wartime. Wartime periods include the Mexican border period, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.
There are limits on veterans’ homecare benefits depending on the income of both the veteran and their spouse. Congress sets these income limits. You will want to ensure that your combined income allows you to qualify for these benefits.
Qualifying veterans must document the need for help with some, but not all, daily life activities. This list includes administering medication, doctor appointments, meal preparation, etc.
Will the VA Pay for Home Health Care?
Payment may get included in your veterans’ home care benefits. If you are an enrolled veteran with the VA, your benefits will cover home health care. Your VA home health care benefits include the cost of a home health aide.
Veterans that meet the qualifying criteria are eligible for payment by the VA. Depending on the total cost of services, the VA will pay for all, if not most, of the expenses.
How Do I Get Home Health Care from the VA?
There are several steps to take to enroll in VA home health care. This program is not for everyone, so it is essential to know if it is the right program.
The first step is identifying your needs. Consult with your doctor and ask yourself what the things that you will need help with are.
- What do you need help with the most?
- How long do you think you will need a home health aide?
- How often will you need them to come–every day, once or twice a week, etc.?
- Do you need a live-in caretaker or just someone to check in on you?
- Is your need more medical than custodial?
Next, you need to figure out your status according to the VA. They will assess this by evaluating your previous record. Your records will answer such determining factors as:
- Were you on active duty or reserves?
- What military branch did you serve?
- How long was your tour of duty?
Most of this information is on your DD-214 forms from discharge. This information will help determine what benefits and services you can receive.
After verifying your status, you will want to look at all available resources to figure out the plan that works best. Refer to the VHA and VBA about in-home personal care for veterans. They can assist you in filing your forms if needed. Some of the wording can be tricky to understand, and VA advocates in each state are willing to help.
Your final step is locating your local VA office and enrolling. You can call the VA or do a web search to find the nearest office for you.
What Does Veteran In-home Care Include?
In-home health care aides are not nurses but caretakers supervised by a nurse. Their duties include helping veterans with daily activities that require assistance. Their responsibilities include:
- Assist in daily living activities, including bathing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
- Transport veterans to and from medical appointments.
- Accompany the veteran on recreational activities and social events.
- Transportation to family gatherings and life events, including weddings, graduations, and social meetings.
- Join veterans in safely performing hobbies and interests.
- Engage in conversations and activities that promote mental and emotional stability and health.
- Perform light duties that may be difficult to do independently, like laundry, dusting, and meal prep.
- If the health aide is a CNA, they may also help in bathing, changing wound dressings, and other medical care duties.
- Distribute medications and treatment if certified.
The VA provides in-home skilled care as part of its benefits. The health care aide’s duties can vary and get customized for the individual veteran’s needs. Contacting the VA can help in setting up the right plan for you.