California Vets Offered Assistance through Caregiver Programs

California is home to approximately 2.2 military veterans, making it the state with the largest veteran population in the U.S. Many vets return home with physical and/or psychological disabilities that require caregiver assistance. Luckily, there are now many state, federal, and even private programs that are addressing the caregiving needs of returning vets and their families.

Homecare California can provide services to vets and their families in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties through several veterans’ assistance programs. For example, the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Pension program provides benefits in the form of a pension to purchase caregiver assistance in the home. You can visit our website to link with a free resource to determine eligibility for the program.

Local Veteran’s Affairs regions also offer the Homemaker/Home Health Aide Program, which provides in-home visits for personal care and household assistance. Homecare California is a participating care provider in this program as well. All aide expenses are paid for by the VA, and services are supervised by registered nurses. You can learn more about this service, including contact information, on our website.

Down the road, San Diego is home to an innovative caregiver program for veterans developed by the Rosalynn Carter Institute. Operation Family Caregiver provides assistance to the family members of veterans with PTSD and TBI. As those of us who work in professional caregiving know, family members are often the silent casualties of caring for disabled loved ones. Operation Family Caregiver provides confidential support at no cost, teaching military families how to overcome the challenges of caregiving. A 16- to 26-week program is customized for each participating family, and support can be provided in the home or by phone or Skype.

San Diego is one of only four locations in the country where this program is being offered. Additional information on the program can be found on the Rosalynn Carter Institute website or through the Southern Caregiver Resource Center.

America’s greatest heroes are worthy of any needed supports to help them remain at home with their families. We are pleased that California has taken such an active role in supporting caregiver programs for veterans.