Finding reliable in-home support can feel complicated, especially when a veteran's care needs grow and the family is trying to understand VA approvals, covered services, and available hours.

BrightStar Care of Springfield/Bloomington provides high-quality in-home care and offers free guidance to help local families navigate the VA application and approval process. We partner with veterans across Sangamon and McLean Counties to make accessing earned benefits straightforward.

Navigating Local VA Approvals and Referrals

How Do We Get a Home Care Referral from the Springfield VA Clinic?

To access VA-funded home care, a veteran must be enrolled in VA health care, have a documented clinical need, and receive authorization before community services begin.

1. Schedule an Assessment: Contact the veteran's primary care team at the Springfield VA Clinic. Request a formal evaluation for home- and community-based services.

2. Specify Daily Needs: Detail the exact daily tasks requiring support, such as:

• Assistance with personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming).
• Mobility and transfer assistance.
• Meal preparation and light housekeeping.
• Skilled nursing care or medication management.
• Family caregiver respite relief.

3. Select Your Provider: When approved, request BrightStar Care of Springfield/Bloomington as your preferred credentialed provider within the VA Community Care Network.

Need help with the paperwork? Our team assists Sangamon County families with VA forms and documentation at no cost. Call our Springfield office today to get started.

What Role Does the VA Community Care Network (CCN) Play in Springfield?

The VA Community Care Network (CCN) allows eligible veterans to receive VA-authorized care from approved local agencies when VA facilities cannot directly provide the service.

Once authorized, BrightStar Care delivers approved care directly in the veteran's residence and bills the VA through the CCN process directly. This ensures zero out-of-pocket stress for fully covered authorized services.

Financial Coverage and Hours

Will the VA Cover 100% of In-Home Care Costs?

In many cases, authorized services through programs like the Homemaker and Home Health Aide (HHA) program are covered, though small copays may apply depending on service-connected disability status.

It is important to distinguish CCN referrals from the Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit:

• Community Care Network (CCN): Direct authorization where the VA pays the provider directly for specific care hours.
• Aid & Attendance: An increased monthly pension paid directly to qualifying veterans or surviving spouses to help fund home care, assisted living, or support services.

How Many Hours of Home Care Support Can a Veteran Receive?

There is no fixed limit on care hours. The VA assigns hours based on the clinical assessment, specific safety risks, and caregiver relief requirements.

Hours can also be adjusted over time. If a veteran's health status changes, mobility declines, or they are discharged from the hospital, we can help you request a reassessment from the VA care team.

Connect with Our Dedicated Veteran Care Team!

Navigating VA benefits while managing daily care needs does not have to be done alone.

Whether you need assistance completing initial VA documentation, require immediate private-pay bridge care while a referral is pending, or are ready to schedule authorized CCN services, BrightStar Care of Springfield/Bloomington is here to support your family.

Our team of professionals will assist you in finding the right caregiver for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office is at 801 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704. You may also call us at (217) 318-3396. 

We look forward to hearing from you!