Veterans Senior Care: A Step-by-Step Approach

We've written a broad overview of VA programs, and a separate piece on who to call for help. This is the ordered version — do these steps roughly in sequence.

Step 1: Confirm VA Health Care Enrollment

Several programs (H/HHA, HBPC, respite) require enrollment in VA health care specifically, separate from disability compensation or pension. If you're not sure whether the veteran is enrolled, this is worth confirming first.

Step 2: Check the Disability Rating, If Any

Some programs (PCAFC) require a 70%+ service-connected rating; others (Aid & Attendance, H/HHA) don't require any rating at all. Knowing where the veteran stands narrows which programs are actually relevant.

Step 3: Call an Accredited VSO

A Veterans Service Officer can review the specific situation and identify which programs actually apply, usually faster than researching every option independently.

Step 4: Start the Specific Application or Referral

Depending on what the VSO identifies — a pension application for Aid & Attendance, a request for a Geriatrics and Extended Care consult for H/HHA, a PCAFC application — get the actual paperwork moving rather than continuing to research.

Step 5: Arrange Interim Support While You Wait

VA processing can take months. Non-medical home care, privately arranged, can cover immediate needs while a claim or referral is in process — you don't have to wait for VA approval before getting help.

Step 6: Reassess as Needs Change

Care needs for aging veterans often increase over time. Revisit which programs apply periodically, rather than assuming the initial plan stays right indefinitely.

How Interim Fits Into This Sequence

We can be part of step 5 immediately, and continue to fit alongside whatever VA benefits eventually come through.

Our 7th Week Guarantee

No long contracts. If you don't feel the difference after six weeks of care at 20 or more hours a week, your seventh week is free.

Get Started

Call us at (801) 401-3515 to talk through where you are in this process.

See our full overview of home care programs for veterans, or learn more about our veterans home care services.