Veterans Care 2025: Your Step‑by‑Step Guide to Getting Care at Home (and the Benefits That Make It Possible)

If you or a loved one served, this guide shows how to unlock real help at home—from VA Homemaker/Home Health Aide services and Veteran‑Directed Care to telehealth, travel reimbursement, and home‑modification grants.

12/11/20256 min read

Fast links (internal)

AFHCS Services – https://afhcs.com/services
AFHCS Contact – https://afhcs.com/contact
AFHCS Resources – https://afhcs.com/resources

1) First things first: make sure you’re in VA health care

Enroll (VA Form 10‑10EZ) online: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/
How to apply (phone, mail, in person): https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/ (VA help line: 877‑222‑8387)
Find VA locations (medical centers, clinics, benefits offices): https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

Already enrolled? You’re ready for the home‑and‑community programs below.

2) The VA programs that bring help to your home

A) Homemaker & Home Health Aide (H/HHA) – personal care (bathing, dressing, meals), caregiver respite, and help with daily activities. Services are delivered by VA‑contracted agencies.
Learn more: https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Homemaker_and_Home_Health_Aide_Care.asp

B) Veteran‑Directed Care (VDC) – a monthly budget you can use to hire and manage caregivers (often a spouse/adult child). High flexibility for day‑to‑day needs.
Program page: https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Veteran-Directed_Care.asp

C) Skilled Home Health Care – nurse/therapist visits for wound care, teaching, rehab, and more (doctor’s order required).
Overview of Home & Community‑Based Services (HCBS): https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Home_and_Community_Based_Services.asp

D) Home‑Based Primary Care (HBPC) – a VA team (MD, RN, PT, social work, etc.) follows you at home when clinic care isn’t enough.
Program page: https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Home_Based_Primary_Care.asp

E) Respite & Adult Day Health Care – short breaks for family caregivers and daytime programs that include nursing oversight.
See HCBS menu: https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Home_and_Community_Based_Services.asp

3) Getting care from providers outside the VA (Community Care)

If it’s hard to get VA appointments or you meet certain criteria, VA can authorize care in the community and pay for it through the VA network.
Start here: https://www.va.gov/resources/eligibility-for-community-care-outside-va/

Urgent care (minor illnesses/injuries) through in‑network clinics:
How it works + eligibility: https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-urgent-care-at-va-or-in-network-community-providers/
Finding an in‑network urgent care clinic: https://www.va.gov/files/2025-06/vawelcomekit-qsg-accessing-urgent-care.pdf

4) VA caregiver support (services, training, and stipends)

Caregiver Support Program (two tracks):
- PGCSS (Program of General Caregiver Support Services) – education, coaching, peer support for any caregiver of a Veteran enrolled in VA care.
- PCAFC (Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers) – for eligible Veterans with serious injuries or illnesses; includes a monthly stipend, training, and other supports.
  Program overview: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/
  Caregiver Support Program home: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
  Apply (Form 10‑10CG): https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/apply-form-10-10cg/
  Caregiver Support Line: 1‑855‑260‑3274

5) Telehealth and the VA app (care from your couch)

VA Telehealth Services (video visits, remote monitoring): https://telehealth.va.gov/
VA Video Connect (download):
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/va-video-connect/id1224250949
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.vamf.vavideoconnect
VA: Health & Benefits mobile app (refill meds, secure message, view appointments & claims):
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/va-health-and-benefits/id1559609596
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobileapp
About the app: https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-and-benefits

6) Travel reimbursement for VA appointments (mileage, tolls, parking)

File your claim online (BTSSS): https://www.va.gov/health-care/file-travel-pay-reimbursement/
Direct portal (login): https://dvagov-btsss.dynamics365portals.us/
How‑to guide: https://www.va.gov/resources/how-to-file-a-va-travel-reimbursement-claim-online/
Set up direct deposit: https://www.va.gov/resources/how-to-set-up-direct-deposit-for-va-travel-pay-reimbursement/

7) Home modifications: make the house safer and easier to live in

SAH / SHA disability housing grants (FY 2026): up to $126,526 (SAH) or $25,350 (SHA) for qualified Veterans—may be used multiple times over your lifetime (up to six).
Details + apply (VA Form 26‑4555): https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/
Form info: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-26-4555/
HISA (Home Improvements & Structural Alterations) – medically necessary modifications (e.g., roll‑in shower, widened doors).
Overview: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp

Quick start tip: Ask your VA primary care team or social worker for a prosthetics consult (for HISA) or a Specially Adapted Housing referral if you meet disability criteria.

8) Extra help that many families miss

Aid & Attendance / Housebound – a monthly pension add‑on for eligible wartime Veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities or are mostly homebound.
What it is + how to apply (VA Form 21‑2680): https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
Form details: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-21-2680/
CHAMPVA (for spouses/dependents/survivors of certain disabled Veterans):
What CHAMPVA covers: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/champva/
Apply (VA Form 10‑10d): https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/champva/apply-form-10-10d/
After you apply: https://www.va.gov/resources/what-to-do-after-applying-for-champva-benefits/

9) How to ask your VA team (copy‑and‑use scripts)

To request care at home (H/HHA or VDC):
“I’d like an evaluation for VA Home and Community‑Based Services—especially Homemaker/Home Health Aide and Veteran‑Directed Care. Can we place a consult to social work?”
Program pages to share:
H/HHA: https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Homemaker_and_Home_Health_Aide_Care.asp
VDC: https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Veteran-Directed_Care.asp

If you can’t get timely VA appointments:
“Can we review whether I qualify for VA Community Care?” Eligibility info: https://www.va.gov/resources/eligibility-for-community-care-outside-va/

Caregiver support:
“Please connect me with the Caregiver Support Program team; I want to learn about PGCSS and PCAFC.” Program: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/

10) Scam‑proof your benefits

Never pay anyone to file your initial VA claim. Use VA‑accredited reps (free).
Find an accredited representative: https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/
FTC tips on VA benefits scams + reporting:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/02/sign-over-portion-your-va-benefits-nope-thats-scam
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/veterans-caregivers-recognize-va-benefits-overpayment-scams

11) If someone is in crisis—talk to a human now

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1 • Text 838255 • Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

12) Where AFHCS fits (and how we help today)

When VA authorizes home care through Community Care, your VA team refers you to network providers. If you’d like to work with us, ask your VA social worker about AFHCS options locally. We also serve private‑pay and other coverage.

Skilled Nursing, Personal Care, Companion Care, and CNA Services: https://afhcs.com/services
Talk with us (no pressure): https://afhcs.com/contact • Phone 470‑982‑CARE (2273) • Email corporate@afhcs.com
Resource hub (checklists, numbers): https://afhcs.com/resources

13) Save‑and‑share checklists

Care at Home: 60‑second daily scan

Pathways clear • Nightlights on • Hydration plan ready • Meds/insulin set • Shower/bath safety ready

Monthly benefits checkup

VA appointments scheduled • Travel pay filed (BTSSS) • Caregiver Support Program needs? • Home‑mod grant progress (HISA/SAH/SHA) • Telehealth and app working

Emergency numbers (fridge list)

VA clinic • VA urgent care/after‑hours • Nearest ER • Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1)

Works cited & official resources (all used above)

Georgia‑specific help (optional):
Georgia Department of Veterans Service (benefits assistance): https://veterans.georgia.gov/services/benefits-assistance

Disclaimer: This guide is educational and not legal advice. VA rules can change and some services vary by location. Always confirm eligibility and coverage with the VA or a VA‑accredited representative.