Veteran Directed Care

The VA’s Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program allows eligible veterans to self-direct their home and community-based services. This means they manage a flexible budget, choose their own care providers (including family, friends, or neighbors), and decide how their care will be delivered to support independent living—either at home or in community settings.

Independence Associates provides these services in partnership with the Boston Regional VA Medical Centers.

Veterans qualify for the program if the VA determines that, without home- and community-based services, they would require care in a skilled nursing facility. For example, a veteran might need assistance with multiple activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or preparing meals.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Self-Direction: Veterans manage their own care, selecting the mix of services, goods, and supports that best meet their needs.

Budget: Veterans receive a flexible budget to purchase approved services and goods.

Choice of Providers: Veterans can hire their own care providers, including family, friends, or neighbors, who are paid by the VA.

Support: Veterans receive assistance from counselors and financial management services to help manage their budgets and employer responsibilities.

Community Focus: The program aims to keep veterans in their homes and communities, giving them greater choice and control over their care.

Eligibility: Since Veteran Directed Care is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, generally all enrolled veterans are eligible for VDC if they meet the clinical criteria for the service and if it is available at their location. Veterans who are at risk of needing nursing home care are a key target group for the program. Applications for this program must be completed through the Boston VA Medical Center Network.