What is Veterans Home Care?

Veterans home care provides professional in-home assistance tailored to the unique needs of military veterans, including support for service-connected disabilities, PTSD-informed caregiving, and assistance with VA benefit applications. Many veterans qualify for VA Aid & Attendance benefits that can cover a significant portion of home care costs. Understanding your VA benefits and finding veteran-friendly care providers ensures you receive the respectful, military culture-aware care you've earned through your service.

What services are included in veterans home care?

Veterans home care encompasses a wide range of services designed to support military veterans living independently at home. Services are customized based on individual needs, service-connected conditions, and VA benefit eligibility.

• Personal care assistance: Bathing, grooming, dressing, mobility assistance adapted for service-connected disabilities
• Companionship from veteran caregivers: Social engagement with caregivers who understand military culture and shared experiences
• Medication management: Assistance with VA-prescribed medications and coordination with VA healthcare providers
• PTSD-informed caregiving: Support from caregivers trained in trauma-informed care approaches
• Transportation to VA appointments: Rides to VA medical centers and veterans service offices
• VA benefit assistance: Help applying for Aid & Attendance and navigating VA healthcare systems

How does veteran care differ from general senior care?

Veteran-specific home care goes beyond standard senior care by incorporating military culture awareness and understanding of service-related health conditions.

Military culture competency

• Understanding of military rank structure, branch-specific traditions, and service values
• Respectful acknowledgment of service without patronizing "hero worship"
• Communication style that matches military directness and efficiency
• Recognition of deployment-related experiences and their ongoing impact

Service-connected health expertise

• Knowledge of common service-related conditions (hearing loss, mobility issues, exposure-related illnesses)
• PTSD and combat trauma awareness with trauma-informed care approaches
• Understanding of VA disability ratings and how they affect care needs
• Coordination with VA healthcare providers and specialists

Who qualifies for veterans home care services?

Veterans home care is available to military veterans of all service eras who need assistance with daily activities. Qualification for VA-funded care depends on specific criteria.

Basic eligibility requirements

• Honorable discharge: Must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
• Service duration: Minimum service requirements vary by era (90 days active duty for most periods)
• Care needs: Requires assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or supervision due to cognitive impairment
• Income limits: For VA Aid & Attendance, income must be below specific thresholds (varies by marital status)

Priority groups for VA care

The VA assigns priority groups (1-8) based on service-connected disabilities, income level, and other factors. Veterans with higher service-connected disability ratings receive higher priority for VA-funded care.

What VA benefits help pay for home care?

Several VA benefit programs can help veterans afford professional home care services. The most common is the Aid & Attendance benefit.

• VA Aid & Attendance: Up to $2,431/month (2025 rates) for veterans needing daily care assistance
• VA Health Care: Home-based primary care and skilled home health services through VA providers
• Veterans Directed Care: Allows veterans to hire and manage their own caregivers with VA funding
• State Veterans Homes: Some states offer additional home care programs for veterans
• TRICARE for Life: Medicare supplement for retired military that may cover some home health services

For Veterans in Ohio and Maryland

Veterans in Ohio and Maryland have access to state-specific programs in addition to federal VA benefits.

Ohio veterans can access resources through the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, Dayton VA Medical Center, and county veterans service offices. Maryland veterans have support from Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Baltimore VA Medical Center, and local veteran service organizations.

Related Resources

• VA Aid & Attendance Benefit →

  Learn about monthly VA benefits up to $2,431 for veterans needing home care assistance

• Veteran-Specific Care Services →

  Explore PTSD-informed caregiving and military culture-aware care options

• Choosing a Veteran-Friendly Provider →

  Questions to ask and credentials to verify when selecting veteran care providers