Home Care Customized for Veterans: A Tribute to Those Who Have Served

Aging is a natural process. Unfortunately, as people age, they experience various physical and mental medical conditions that require consistent care. Veterans who have served our country deserve the best care possible as they age. That’s where Assisting Hands Home Care Sarasota (AH Sarasota) can help.

At AH Sarasota, we believe that the individuals who have courageously served our country deserve nothing less than respect, comfort, and compassion in their old age. That is why we are thrilled to offer veterans home care in Sarasota. Our VA-approved in-home veteran care services are tailored to the unique requirements of veterans and their families.

Many veterans and their surviving spouses are unaware of the benefits or how to initiate the process, even though the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system provides complimentary home care services.

This definitive guide offers a comprehensive explanation of the steps involved in accessing care through the VA Community Care Network or Home Health Aide (HHA) , with Assisting Hands Home Care Sarasota as your chosen provider.

Step 1: Consult with Your VA Social Worker

The initial step is to contact the VA social worker at the VA hospital or clinic to which you are assigned or are receiving health care. They will assist you in determining whether you are eligible and initiating the referral process.

VA Social Work Unit’s Contact Information:

VA James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is (813) 972-2000 ext. 101710 (covers Hillsborough County)
VA Bay Pines Veterans’ Hospital is (727) 398-6661 (covers Manatee and Sarasota Counties)

Please have the following information readily available:

• Full Legal Name of the Veteran
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number

Please let your social worker know that you are selecting your preferred home care provider.

Important:
Step 2: Request a Referral for In-home Care

VA Home Health Aide (HHA) is a program that veterans may have access to through the VA Community Care Network or HHA. Veterans who meet specific criteria, regardless of age or assets, are eligible for non-medical support services under this program.

What kind of support is provided?

Veterans are eligible for personalized care at home upon referral by a VA physician or provider. This encompasses:

• Assistance with bathing, hygiene, and dressing
• Incontinence and toileting
• Cooking and eating
• Medication reminders
• Mobility assistance (e.g., transferring from a cot or chair)
• Light housekeeping
• Providing companionship

Family caregivers can also take advantage of respite care services.

These services are delivered by trained aides under the supervision of a licensed nurse, ensuring safe and professional support.

Step 3: Ensure that You Select the Right Provider:

When speaking to your VA social worker or care team:

• Please inform them that you would like to have Assisting Hands Home Care as your provider.
• Ensure that they record the name of our agency and the NPI number (1467882738) when they refer you.
• Upon your acceptance, we will contact you to schedule an intake and coordinate your care.

We work directly with the VA to handle service authorizations and billing, so you can focus on your health and well-being.

Step 4: We Make the Process Simple:

As a VA-approved provider, we aim to simplify the process of receiving quality in-home senior care services for Veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses. We are here to help you at every step, whether you are just starting to consider your options or are ready to begin receiving services.

Who may qualify for VA in-home care services?

You may qualify for it if you:

• Are you receiving care from a VA provider, or under the care of VA healthcare
• Have a medical condition that requires assistance with personal care
• Received an honorable discharge after serving for a minimum of 90 consecutive days during a conflict
• Have assets that are worth less than $159,000 (subject to change) and do not include your residence, automobile, or up to two acres of land.
• Have a family caretaker who could use respite

The surviving spouse may also qualify if:

• They were married to an eligible Veteran at the time of their demise.
• They meet both personal care and financial requirements.

We assist with:

• Completing VA forms, including the 1010EZ
• Retrieving military documents, such as the DD-214
• Coordinating appointments with VA clinics
• Completing applications for the Aid and Attendance benefit

What is the status of Medicare?

Medicare coverage usually does not include non-medical home care services, like help with bathing or dressing, unless they are part of a skilled nursing care plan. However, VA healthcare benefits are not based on income and often provide coverage for essential services that Medicare does not cover. At Assisting Hands Home Care Sarasota, we help you determine how these programs work together to meet your in-home care needs.

Helping You Age in Place with Comfort and Confidence

For veterans, aging with dignity in the comfort of their own home is more than just a priority. It’s a key part of aging with dignity. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of each Veteran.

At Assisting Hands Home Care Sarasota, you will receive the following:

• A compassionate VA-certified team
• Simple enrollment and assistance in determining eligibility
• Ongoing assistance with VA communication and referrals

Our care plans are customized to your specific needs and evolve with your changing needs.

Let’s get started.

If you or a loved one may qualify for veterans’ home care benefits in Sarasota, don’t wait until caregiving becomes overwhelming.