Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)

What is VDC?

Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) is a self-directed home care support program for eligible Veterans where they are responsible for the direction of their own personal care services (personal care tasks, meals, respite care, care coordination).

Veterans are empowered to manage their own care services, including:

• Who will provide services
• What services are needed
• Where services will be provided

Veterans are approved for an annual budget to purchase services that help avoid nursing home placement.

Eligibility

Veterans who meet the following criteria may qualify:

• Have complex, chronic medical needs
• Require personal care and are at risk for nursing home placement
• Wish to direct their own care
• Face barriers to traditional home health aide services
• Must be active with VA Primary Care

Program Administration

The VDC program is administered by the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. in partnership with the Veteran's Administration. Both organizations are committed to supporting individuals to age in place with dignity and independence.

How It Helps Veterans

• Freedom to choose the services that best suit their personal needs
• Choice of trusted caregivers like family or friends
• Customize timing and frequency of care
• The program budget may cover diverse needs, including home modifications, monitoring, nutrition, transportation, and caregiver respite

How It Helps Caregivers

• Family caregivers can be paid for their support
• Offers financial relief and acknowledges their vital role
• Supports collaboration in developing and managing care plans
• May include respite care for much-needed breaks

Community Impact

• Cost-effective alternative to institutional care
• Stimulates the local economy
• Reduces reliance on nursing homes
• Improves health outcomes for Veterans

Services Provided

• Personal care tasks
• Meals or other home delivery services
• Respite care
• Care coordination
• Goods and services to improve safety in the home
• Case management (provided by Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging)