Veterans Home Care FAQs

What is veterans home care?

Veterans home care provides professional in-home assistance tailored to military veterans' unique needs, including support for service-connected disabilities, PTSD-informed caregiving, and assistance with VA benefit applications. Services range from companionship to personal care and specialized veteran-specific support. Learn more about veterans home care

How much does VA Aid & Attendance pay in 2025?

VA Aid & Attendance 2025 monthly rates:

• Veteran without dependents: $2,431/month ($29,175/year)
• Veteran with one dependent: $2,846/month ($34,149/year)
• Two veterans married to each other: $3,835/month ($46,019/year)
• Surviving spouse: $1,546/month ($18,551/year)

This tax-free benefit helps pay for home care, assisted living, or nursing home costs. Complete Aid & Attendance guide

Who qualifies for VA Aid & Attendance?

To qualify for VA Aid & Attendance:

• Be a wartime veteran with 90+ days active service (at least one day during wartime)
• Have honorable discharge
• Be age 65+ or permanently disabled
• Need help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating) or be housebound
• Meet income limits: countable income below Maximum Annual Pension Rate
• Net worth below approximately $160,194 (2025)

How much does veterans home care cost?

Veterans home care typically costs $25-50/hour depending on location and level of care. However, VA Aid & Attendance (up to $2,431/month) can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Many veterans pay little to nothing after applying VA benefits and other funding sources. Complete cost guide

Does Medicare cover home care for veterans?

Medicare covers limited skilled home health care (nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy) when medically necessary and doctor-ordered. Medicare does NOT cover custodial personal care like bathing, dressing, companionship, or homemaker services. Veterans typically use VA Aid & Attendance or other VA programs to pay for non-medical home care that Medicare excludes.

Can I use both VA benefits and Medicare?

Yes, veterans can use both VA benefits and Medicare simultaneously. Medicare covers some skilled home health services, VA Aid & Attendance provides cash benefits for custodial care Medicare doesn't cover, and VA health care and Medicare can coordinate for comprehensive coverage. Many veterans maximize benefits by using both systems strategically. All payment options

How long does VA Aid & Attendance application take?

VA Aid & Attendance applications typically take 3-6 months to process, though some cases may take up to 12 months. The VA processes applications in the order received. You can check status online through VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000. Benefits are paid retroactively to the application date once approved.

What is PTSD-informed caregiving?

PTSD-informed caregiving uses trauma-aware approaches including: avoiding triggers, respecting personal space, explaining actions before doing them, maintaining predictable routines, recognizing signs of PTSD activation, and responding calmly to flashbacks or anxiety. Caregivers are trained to create safe, non-threatening care environments and understand military trauma. Veteran-specific care services

Do I need a veteran caregiver?

Veteran caregivers often excel because they understand military culture firsthand, share common experiences, and communicate in familiar ways. However, non-veteran caregivers with military family backgrounds or specialized training can provide equally excellent care. The key is military culture competency and respect for veteran experiences, not just veteran status. What matters most is training in trauma-informed care and understanding of veteran needs.

What's the difference between veteran care and regular senior care?

Veteran care includes military culture competency, understanding of service-connected conditions like hearing loss and mobility issues, PTSD and combat trauma awareness, coordination with VA healthcare providers, assistance with VA benefits, and caregivers who understand military values and communication styles. It addresses unique needs from military service that general senior care doesn't, such as combat trauma, service-related injuries, and military cultural factors.

How do I find a veteran-friendly home care provider?

Resources for finding veteran-friendly providers:

• Ask VA social workers at local VA medical center for provider recommendations
• Contact Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, DAV, American Legion) for referrals
• Check with county veterans service office for local provider lists
• Ask other veteran families for recommendations
• Look for providers with "We Honor Veterans" or military culture training certifications

Complete guide to choosing veteran-friendly providers

When do veterans need home care?

Veterans may need home care when they struggle with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating), experience worsening service-connected conditions, have PTSD symptoms affecting safety, recover from VA hospital stays, show memory or cognitive decline, or reach the point where living alone becomes risky. Signs include falls, difficulty with medications, household neglect, weight loss, and social isolation. Signs veterans need care

Does PTSD affect dementia in veterans?

Yes, PTSD and dementia can interact negatively. Dementia can worsen PTSD symptoms by removing coping mechanisms veterans developed. Memory loss may cause veterans to re-live traumatic events as if happening now. Confusion from dementia can trigger PTSD responses. Veterans with both conditions need caregivers trained in dementia care AND trauma-informed approaches. Veterans dementia care guide

Where can Ohio veterans get home care help?

Ohio veterans can access help through: VA medical centers (Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus), Ohio Department of Veterans Services (800-642-4490), county veterans service offices in all 88 counties, Ohio Veterans Homes (Sandusky, Georgetown, St. Clairsville), and Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, DAV, American Legion). Complete Ohio veteran resources

Where can Maryland veterans get home care help?

Maryland veterans can access help through: Baltimore VA Medical Center, Perry Point VA Medical Center, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (800-872-2454), local veterans service offices in all counties, Maryland Veterans Homes (Charlotte Hall, Freestate Veterans Home), and Veterans Service Organizations. Complete Maryland veteran resources

Are there free resources to help apply for VA benefits?

Yes, free accredited help is available through: Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, DAV, American Legion) provide free representatives, county veterans service offices offer free benefits counselors, VA social workers at VA medical centers explain benefits, and state veterans agencies provide benefits assistance. Never pay upfront fees for VA benefit applications—legitimate help is free.