There are over 9 million veterans aged 65 and older that are enrolled in the VA health care system, with the need for specialized care increasing. Those who qualify and receive VA benefits can put their benefits towards the expenses of our home care services. As an approved provider of VA services, we proudly serve veterans and their spouses who qualify for VA benefits in Manatee and Hillsborough County as well as the surrounding Tampa, FL areas.
At Assisting Hands Home Care, we offer VA home health care and respite care services for eligible veterans residing in Tampa, Bradenton, Lithia, and Lakewood Ranch, as well as the surrounding areas in Manatee County and Hillsborough County. Veterans dedicated to the U.S. armed forces are entitled to significant benefits to support them during their retirement. Once qualified, VA benefits can offset the cost of care for you and your spouse, promoting a healthier and more joyful post-retirement life together. If you or your spouse is a veteran needing compassionate home care services, contact us to learn more about our VA care programs.
VA Home Care Services
Veterans who qualify can receive home health care and respite care through our VA programs. To apply, veterans need to first enroll for medical benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Once qualified, individuals can use these benefits to help cover the expenses of our services.
Our personalized home care plans are crafted to suit individual needs, and we work closely with veterans and their families to address specific requirements. Our VA care services include help with activities of daily living (ADLs), transportation, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. Caregivers are also trained and licensed to provide Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, offering around-the-clock support for veterans and their families.
VA Home Health Aide (HHA)/ Home Health Program
The VA home health aide program offers 12 hours of care per week for veterans in need of home care. This VA program assists with personal care and daily activities at home, allowing veterans to remain in their homes. In certain situations, the VA also approves assistance while a veteran stays in the hospital, rehab, or nursing home. Veterans who have dementia, suicidal ideation, and behavioral health needs. Assisting Hands is a VA-approved provider that has been providing care to veterans for over a decade, who have PTSD, disabilities, and other illnesses.
How to Qualify:
To qualify for this benefit, a Geriatric Extended Care (GEC) assessment must be completed. This evaluation involves a social worker (SW), a registered nurse (RN), and a medical doctor (MD).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Dependence on three or more activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Noticeable cognitive impairment
VA Respite Care Program
Family caretakers of veterans can receive temporary relief through respite care services, which provide short-term care for the veteran in their home or a VA facility. These could be a certain number of hours for a given period (i.e. 4 weeks, to be used within 6 months). Family caretakers use these respite hours to go and visit loved ones, go on a short vacation, and/or use the time for their own self and health care. If you are a family caretaker and could use respite hours, please speak to the Social Worker at the VA and put in the request.
How to Qualify:
To qualify, a Geriatric Extended Care (GEC) assessment must be completed. This involves a social worker (SW), a registered nurse (RN), and a medical doctor (MD).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Dependence on three or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Significant cognitive impairment
Skilled Home Health Care Services
Assisting Hands partners with several skilled nursing home health services for veterans needing medical/clinical care at home, skilled nurses and therapists can provide treatments, wound care, physical therapy, and more.
Mobile Physicians and Home-Based Primary Care
This program offers primary care services at home for veterans with complex medical conditions that make it difficult to visit a clinic. Assisting Hands or a VA Social Worker can coordinate this service on your behalf.
Hospice and Palliative Care
Assisting Hands partners with several Hospice and Palliative care providers for veterans with life-limiting illnesses, hospice and palliative care services are available to provide comfort and support, either at home or in a facility. Assisting Hands or a VA Social Worker can coordinate this service on your behalf.
Assisting Hands Home Care supports eligible veterans with a variety of in-home care services. Our dedicated team helps with daily activities, household tasks, and errands, ensuring your loved ones receive essential support in the comfort of their home. Contact us today for guidance and advice on selecting the most suitable VA care options to meet the specific needs of your loved ones.
Assistance with Eligibility and Applying for Benefits
- Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): Organizations like the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offer free assistance with understanding and applying for VA benefits. They have trained representatives who can help gather documentation, fill out applications, and navigate the VA system. Once approved, inform these organizations, your physician, and your Social Worker that you prefer Assisting Hands Gulf Coast as your home care provider.
- VA Caregiver Support Program: This program offers support and resources for caregivers of veterans, including help with understanding and accessing benefits. Once you have been determined eligible, inform your physician and Social Worker that you prefer Assisting Hands Gulf Coast as your home care provider.
- State and County Veteran Service Offices: These local offices provide personalized assistance with applying for VA benefits, including home care services. They are familiar with the specific programs available in your state and can guide you through the process. Once approved, inform these office officers, your physician, and your Social Worker that you prefer Assisting Hands Gulf Coast as your home care provider.
- Eldercare Locator: A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, this service connects veterans with local agencies that can assist with finding and applying for home care services and benefits. Inform these public service offices, your physician, and your Social Worker that you prefer Assisting Hands Gulf Coast as your home care provider.
- VA Accredited Claims Agents: Accredited agents can assist with the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA claims. They are knowledgeable about the VA system and can help ensure that all necessary paperwork is correctly filed. Inform these agents, your physician, and your Social Worker that you prefer Assisting Hands Gulf Coast as your home care provider.
Call Assisting Hands for a Free Consultation
Assisting Hands Home Care provides VA services to qualified veterans and their spouses in Tampa, Plant City, and Sun City Center, FL, and the surrounding areas in Manatee County and Hillsborough County. Our caregivers are proud to give back to those who served our country by providing the best quality home care and respite care services. The compassionate caregivers at Assisting Hands are certified, bonded, and insured to provide professional care to you or your loved ones.
Call Assisting Hands Home Care at (813) 592-5060 for more information about our VA home care services or to schedule a free in-home consultation.
