10-25-2020 Aging Resource Guide - Flipbook - Page 36
VETERANS CARE PLANNING
REMEMBER VA SERVICES WHEN
PLANNING FOR LONG-TERM CARE
The Veterans Administration (VA) offers a myriad
of services to Veterans facing issues ranging from
in-home care needs to in-patient hospice care. It is
important to explore these services in advance of the
time they are needed. VA services may supplement
private health insurance or self-pay services and be
an important part of a Veteran’s care plan.
Many of the services described below are through
the VA healthcare system so it is important to register
with VA healthcare services before needs become
urgent. In Carroll County, the Veteran Services
Program, within the Bureau of Aging & Disabilities,
has staff available to assist with healthcare
applications. VA healthcare complements Medicare
and supplemental health insurance; it does not
replace it. Veterans must meet with a VA primary
care physician once every two years to keep this
healthcare active.
Once a Veteran is enrolled, their VA primary
care doctor may prescribe durable healthcare
equipment such as walking aids, a hospital bed,
incontinent supplies, and more. In addition, at the
recommendation of the VA physician, in-home
health care services may be provided for 10-14 hours
36
per week. In-home care and medical equipment can
assist Veterans to age-in-place longer.
The Veterans Home and Community Based Services
Program, also operated through the healthcare
system, provides selected Veterans with a monthly
stipend to pay for in-home care and other qualified
medical needs necessary to keep the Veteran at
home. The Veteran or his/her representative hires
and oversees expenditures of the funds each month
with the help of a Supports Planner. Currently,
Carroll County serves up to five Veterans at any
one time. There is usually a waiting list and the VA
primary care physician makes the referral to this
program.
As needs progress, the VA provides long-term care
at the VA Medical Centers (called “Community Living
Centers”) to Veterans who are service-connected
and rated 70% and higher, at no cost. In addition,
the Community Living Centers offer palliative care
(includes in-patient hospice) to all Veterans who
are eligible for VA healthcare services. A serviceconnected disability rating is not required for this
service and it is free of cost. Finally, in Maryland, our
State Veterans Home is Charlotte Hall, located in St.
2020 – 2021 Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities Resource Guide