The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to help veterans remain safe and independent at home. These services can include help with personal care, meal prep, medication reminders, and even skilled nursing — depending on eligibility and medical need. BrightStar Care Lexington is proud to be an in-network provider for the VA, providing much needed in home care to Veterans.
Step 1: Contact the VA
Veterans (or their family members) should start by contacting:
- Their VA primary care provider, or
- The VA social worker or Care Coordinator at their local VA Medical Center (VAMC).
Ask specifically about Home and Community Based Services or Homemaker and Home Health Aide (H/HHA) Care.
Step 2: Assessment for Need
A VA nurse or social worker will complete an in-home or clinical assessment to determine:
- The veteran’s level of need for daily assistance
- Health conditions and functional limitations
- Whether home care is medically necessary
Based on that assessment, the VA will decide how many hours of care per week or month are approved.
Step 3: VA Authorization
If approved, the VA will issue an authorization (often called a “consult” or “referral”) to a VA-approved home care agency — such as BrightStar Care or other contracted providers in the VA’s network.
The agency then coordinates scheduling and begins providing care according to the VA-approved hours.
Step 4: Ongoing Re-Evaluations
The VA will periodically re-evaluate the veteran’s needs. If more (or fewer) hours are needed, the veteran or caregiver can request a reassessment through their VA social worker or care coordinator.
Additional Options
Depending on eligibility and service connection, veterans may also qualify for:
- Aid & Attendance benefit (through VA Pension)
- Homemaker/Home Health Aide Program
- Skilled Home Health Care
- Respite Care
- Community Living Center or Adult Day Health Care
Quick Tip
If you’re unsure where to start, call the VA’s main hotline: 877-222-8387 and ask to be connected to your local VA Medical Center’s social work or community care department.
If you are a Veteran needing in home care support, please call us today at 859-227-9008!