Hi @boppi
The Veteran Directed Care Program is contracted by VA to other agencies. In MT the Area Agency on Aging coordinates the program. Here’s a screen shot to show you where to look online for info. My husband is Vietnam-era as well. He does not have a service-connected disability & it is not a requirement for this program. If your husband has a VA disability rating there are even more programs he may be eligible for. ( I need to reapply for my husband as VA has expanded the PACT Act again & he may now be eligible for a disability rating.)

The process for enrolling in the VDC Program started with a referral from VA Primary Care Provider to VA Social Worker for an assessment appointment (which we were able to do via video appointment). The SW contacted the VDC Program Coordinator & she came to our house to complete her assessment & prepare paperwork. A budget was determined by VA & VDC and hours of care were determined by the budget.

Initially I was the Designated Representative for my husband & we had a caregiver 7 hrs a day/5 days a week. My husband had a rapid & substantial downtime & I requested program review at 9 months (instead of scheduled 12 months). He was moved up several tiers & additional hours were added. At that point I transferred the DR responsibilities to a trusted friend & became the 2nd paid caregiver for my husband. It’s only 14.5 hrs per week but it’s a huge help as we really needed additional income & I can’t be away from home at this point in the process as I am my husband’s “compass”.

The DR is responsible for hiring, firing, training, scheduling hours, approving timesheets, and reporting any changes in health, etc. to the VDC Coordinator. (Our Coordinator checks in by phone once-a-month & makes a home visit every 3 months. I update her on falls, medical treatments, etc. as the more detailed info she has & the better it’s documented, the more accurate the assessment reviews will be.) Any of the budgeted funds not used for payroll are placed in a “savings account” for the Veteran & can be used for items (not covered by VA) to assist with keeping him safe & comfortable at home. In our case there were funds authorized to purchase Ring cameras so he can be monitored throughout the home & the from yard without us having to constantly follow him & hover around. ( Being “babysat” - as he referred to it - caused significant agitation & conflict. The Rings solved that.)

Please feel free to contact me with any other questions you may have. The VDC has been a HUGE blessing & aligns perfectly with my goal of keeping my husband at home until the end.