VA Home Health Care: How to Ensure Your Hero is Getting the Care Hours They Need
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VA Home Health Care: How to Ensure Your Hero is Getting the Care Hours They Need

Published On
August 29, 2025
Dealing with red tape, paperwork, and health challenges can make veteran care complex.

But with a little help from our caregivers and some thoughtful planning, you can make sure your veteran receives the in-home care they deserve when they need it. 

We’ll share about the VA’s process for determining how many hours of care your hero receives and how we can help you work with the VA to make that schedule fit your needs.

How the VA Evaluates Long-Term Care for Veterans

Every veteran who applies for VA long-term care begins with a needs assessment. 

This assessment isn’t guesswork. It’s a structured review carried out by a VA clinician or a contracted provider. They look at:
  • Medical history and diagnoses.
  • Physical and cognitive function.
  • Ability to perform daily activities.
  • Risks of falls or injury.
  • Current caregiver support and home safety.
The clinician gathers input from the veteran and their family (if involved), and then uses VA criteria to recommend a care plan that includes a set number of weekly hours.

How Does the VA Determine How Many Hours of In-Home Care a Veteran Receives?

The VA decides how many hours of in-home care your parent receives based on a clinical assessment of their physical, cognitive, and daily living needs.

If their condition changes or they need more help over time, those hours can be adjusted. It’s not a one-and-done deal: the VA can reassess and update the care plan as needed to better support your parent’s well-being.

How Many Hours of Care Can a Veteran Get?

There’s no universal number of hours. Some veterans may only need a couple of visits per week, while others may qualify for daily or even multiple visits per day. 
The number is based on the clinical assessment findings.

A few things that influence the care hours include:
  • Severity of mobility limitations.
  • Level of cognitive impairment (such as Alzheimer’s or dementia).
  • Whether they live alone or have a support system.
  • Need for hands-on assistance with feeding, bathing, toileting, and safety.
Once approved, the VA matches the recommended hours with the resources available through VA home health care programs.

Can In-Home Care Hours Be Increased?

Absolutely! If your hero’s health declines or they need more help than before, you can request a reassessment through the VA. Maybe they’ve had a recent hospitalization, a new diagnosis, or a caregiver is no longer available. Regardless, the VA can review the changes and adjust the hours accordingly.

Don’t wait too long to speak up. Getting the right level of in-home care can make all the difference in quality of life and peace of mind.

BrightStar Care of Springfield and VA Home Health Coordination

Navigating the VA’s long-term care process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

We can work closely with the VA to ensure services line up with what’s approved and what’s needed. We also help coordinate visits, match your loved one with our trained aides, and ensure care plans stay up to date.

So, whether you’re just getting started or need to make adjustments, there are options to ensure your loved one gets the right support at the right time. We’re here to help you navigate those options and make them successful.

For families managing veteran care, we’d love to show you how in-home care and VA benefits together make the difference in bringing peace of mind and comfort to your loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does it take to get an assessment?

Timelines vary, but most assessments are scheduled within a few weeks of requesting VA home health care services.

Can care hours be reduced if health improves?

Yes, the VA can lower your hours if the veteran becomes more independent or if daily help is no longer needed.

What happens during a reassessment?

The reassessment includes another review of the veteran’s physical condition, home setup, and daily care needs. It may include observations, interviews, and updates from doctors or caregivers.

Are the same caregivers assigned each week?

We aim to keep care consistent by assigning the same aides when possible.

Is this care available in rural areas?

Yes, though availability may vary based on our staffing and VA-approved providers in your region.

Contact BrightStar Care of Springfield/Bloomington!

Whether you’re just learning about VA benefits for your family or getting hours reassessed, we’re here to make that journey easier. We’d love to connect with you and help you find a care plan that fits your needs and satisfies VA requirements.

BrightStar Care of Springfield/Bloomington's team of professionals will assist you in finding the right caregiver for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our caregiving services! Our office is at 801 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704. You may also call us at (217) 383-0574. We look forward to hearing from you!