What is VDC?
Veteran Directed Care
Veteran-Directed Care is a program for eligible Veterans, funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You direct your own long-term services and supports so that you can stay in your home and community. Self-direction does not mean doing things all by yourself. Your Independence Center Veteran Coach members are available to support you along the way.
What Does Self-Direction Mean?
“Self-Direction” means you decide:
- What services, supports, and goods you need.
- Who provides those services and supports.
- Where, when, and how the services and supports are provided.
- How much you pay for those services and supports.
- Whether you want someone to help you plan your services, supports, and goods, and if you do, who that person is.
“Self-Direction” means you have more choice, control, flexibility, and freedom to control your life and how you live it. You can make choices about the services, support and help you need, as well as who provides them. You may hire people you choose, including friends or family members.
VDC may be the right program for you if:
- You are a Veteran of any age.
- You are enrolled in VA health care.
- You want to live in your own home.
- You meet the clinical needs for VDC.
- You are interested in directing your own services.
Where do I start?
Give us a call today to speak to one of our trained Veteran Coaches today!
719-471-8181
Your VDC Coach will:
- Listen to your goals and needs.
- Help you plan for your services.
- Connected you to community resources.
- Is a visible and trusted organization in your community.
- Provide in-home assessment, care and planning services.
- Fiscal management of your budget.
- Other additional support that may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Home Health Care
What does Veteran Directed Care (VDC) case management entail?
Your assigned case manager will complete quarterly (once every three months) in-home visits and monthly phone calls.
Who can be my caregiver?
You get to choose! Spouses, family members, neighbors, or anyone who is trusted and can pass a criminal background check.
Does the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program affect my monetary benefit from the VA?
No, the VDC program does not affect your benefits from the VA.
Do I need disability status with the VA to qualify for the VDC program?
No, disability status is not required to qualify. However, you will need to be established at the VA for the referral process to start.
What are my rights with the Veteran Directed Care program?
You have the right to:
- Be treated with respect
- Make decisions regarding your own life regardless of the nature of the decisions or the consequences to yourself.
- Receive services where you live.
- Involve family, care givers, or legal representatives in the decision-making process.
- Participate in the development of the services and resources available to you.
- Be informed on a full range of services and resources available to you.
- Receive assistance with the referral and application process.
- Have your information kept private.
Veteran Resources
- Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative Accredited Representatives Home (va.gov)
- VA Social Worker What VA Social Workers Do – VHA Social Work
- Patient Advocate Patient Advocate – Veterans Health Administration (va.gov)
- Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance VA Aid And Attendance Benefits And Housebound Allowance | Veterans Affairs
- VA My HealtheVet Home – My HealtheVet – My HealtheVet (va.gov)
- Seniors Blue Book – El Paso & Teller Counties Local – Colorado – Colorado Springs | Seniors Blue Book