What is the Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services Program

With Memorial Day just passed, I am acutely reminded of all the benefits we enjoy in our country due to the service and sacrifices of United States veterans. The purpose of today's Note from Linda is to explain the Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services Program (VD-HCBS).

VD-HCBS is an outstanding benefit available to veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA health care system. Many services are available from the VA health care system, provided through VD-HCBS at no cost to the veteran:

1. Assistance with household tasks, such as cleaning, laundry, shopping, meal preparation

2. Assistance with personal care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication reminders

3. Help with home modifications, repairs and maintenance

4. Emergency Response System

5. Accompaniment to medical appointments and non-medical transportation

6. Consumable medical supplies such as nutritional supplements

7. Support, goods or back-up services that help veterans remain at home.

To qualify for VD-HCBS the veteran must request a Geriatric Extended Care Assessment (GEC) from the VA Clinic or hospital where they receive health care services. The veteran may request the GEC by telephone. The VA Clinic in Missoula can be reached at 406 493-3700. Once the GEC is completed, it is sent to the VA Health Care Center at Fort Harrison for review.

Next, a Care Coordinator will meet with you or your designated representative to help develop a plan of care that will provide the needed services and supports for your individual circumstances. The Missoula Aging Services Coordinators for the VD-HCBS Program for Missoula or Ravalli County residents can be reached directly by calling Missoula Aging Services at 406 721-6953. Lake County veterans please call the Polson AAA Office 406 883-7284 for assistance.

If you are interested in the VD-HCBS Program please call me, Linda Howard at the Seeley-Swan Resource Center in Seeley Lake, 406 541-7688. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this wonderful program available to our veterans.

The best of health to you and thank you veterans,

Linda Howard (Captain, USAF)