5 Specific Home Care Services Covered by the VA for Senior Veterans

Senior veterans have given a lot in service to our country, and now it’s time they receive the care and comfort they’ve earned. 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several home care services to help veterans stay safe, supported, and independent at home, without the need for a long-term facility. Whether it’s help with daily tasks or professional medical attention, these benefits can make a real difference. 

Here’s a closer look at five specific VA-covered home care services designed for senior veterans and their families.

1. Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care

Sometimes, it's the little things—like getting dressed, preparing meals, or just tidying up—that become a challenge. 

Homemaker and Home Health Aide services are perfect for veterans who need help with everyday activities but don’t require full-time nursing care. A trained aide visits the veteran’s home on a scheduled basis and assists with:

• Bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Meal prep and feeding support.
• Light housekeeping and laundry.
• Basic mobility help and companionship.

These services are available even when a veteran lives with family members, giving both the veteran and caregiver a bit of breathing room.

2. Skilled Home Health Care

This level of care is ideal for those who need ongoing medical support but don’t require hospitalization or a move to a nursing facility. It strikes that perfect balance between clinical attention and the comfort of familiar surroundings.

So, what does skilled home care actually involve? Here’s a breakdown:

• Wound care and postoperative support: After surgery or an injury, wounds require careful monitoring to prevent infection. Nurses can manage dressing changes, clean surgical sites, and keep healing on track without unnecessary trips to the hospital.
• Injections and IV therapy: Whether it’s antibiotics, pain management, or hydration, skilled nurses can administer injections or manage IVs at home safely and efficiently.
• Therapeutic support: Physical, occupational, and speech therapists are often part of the care team. They help veterans regain strength, movement, and function—especially after a stroke, an injury, or a prolonged hospital stay. Therapists also focus on practical skills, such as walking, eating, or communicating again.
• Chronic condition monitoring: Many veterans live with conditions like diabetes, COPD, or heart failure. Skilled nurses track vital signs, help manage symptoms, and adjust care plans in real time—often preventing emergency visits or hospital readmissions.

This isn’t care delivered in a rush or a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s thoughtfully coordinated through a VA-approved provider, based on a veteran’s specific diagnosis and doctor’s orders. The process usually begins with a referral from a VA physician, who works closely with a care team to set the right plan in motion.

And the benefits? They’re more than clinical. Skilled home care lets veterans heal in peace, maintain independence, and stay connected to family—all while knowing that expert support is just a visit away.

3. Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. 

That’s why the VA provides respite care: a short-term service that gives family caregivers a break. 

Whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or even overnight, respite care allows caregivers to rest, attend to personal matters, or just recharge without worrying about their loved one’s safety.
This benefit is a lifeline for spouses and adult children who are primary caregivers, helping to prevent burnout and support long-term caregiving at home.

4. Home Based Primary Care

For veterans whose health conditions make it tough to visit the doctor’s office, the VA brings the clinic to them. Home Based Primary Care is an at-home medical service designed for veterans with complex or disabling health issues who need routine, long-term medical supervision.

A team of VA healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists—work together to:

• Create a personalized care plan.
• Perform routine check-ups at home.
• Monitor progress and adjust treatments.
• Support both physical and emotional well-being.

This program helps reduce hospital visits and promotes comfort and continuity for veterans who prefer staying home.

5. Hospice and Palliative Home Care

For veterans with terminal illnesses or those needing comfort-focused care, the VA offers both hospice and palliative services that can be provided in the home. These services prioritize quality of life, pain management, and emotional support during difficult times.

• This care often includes:
• Nursing visits for symptom control.
• Pain relief and comfort-focused treatments.
• Spiritual and emotional counseling.
• Support for family members and caregivers.

Hospice care through the VA is about dignity, compassion, and making sure no veteran faces the end of life without the care and comfort they deserve.

FAQ About VA Home Care Services

How do I know if my loved one qualifies for these VA services?

Eligibility typically depends on enrollment in the VA health system and a clinical assessment. A VA social worker or primary care provider can help with the next steps.

Are these services free for veterans?

Many are offered at no cost, but some services may have copays depending on the veteran’s priority group or income level. Always check with your local VA center.

Can a veteran receive more than one service at a time?

Yes. Services like skilled nursing and homemaker care can often be combined based on the veteran’s care plan and medical needs.

Is there a limit to how many hours of care a veteran can receive?

It varies. The VA creates a care plan based on medical necessity and availability of resources. Some services, like respite care, have specific hourly caps.

How do I apply for VA home care services?

Start by contacting your VA primary care team or a local VA social worker. You can also call the VA directly or visit va.gov to learn more and begin the application process.

Contact BrightStar Care of San Francisco! 

BrightStar Care of San Francisco is here to provide the resources and support you need to care for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is located at 150 Shoreline Hwy, Suite B28, Mill Valley, CA, 94941. You may also call us at (415) 944-2248. 

We look forward to hearing from you!