In 2012, the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) partnered with the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) to create the Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Program, referred to in Ohio as the Veteran-Directed Care Program. Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Self-Directed Programs are available nationwide. In an effort to expand this valuable program, in 2023, the AAA7 began partnering with the Cincinnati VAMC, and in 2024, with the Huntington VAMC, to provide similar services for Veterans who reside in additional counties throughout our district.
Through this successful program, veterans age 18 years of age and older can receive the services they need, when and how they want them, and in their own homes which has allowed veterans to have improved physical and mental health. Veterans self-direct the services they receive including supervising their own personal care workers and other health maintenance services in order to remain safe and independent at home. Ninety percent of veterans enrolled in the program feel the program is allowing them to remain at home and out of a nursing home, and 74 percent feel it has improved their health and quality of life.
The Area Agency on Aging District 7 has a provider agreement with the Chillicothe, Cincinnati and Huntington VAMCs to provide care management and fiscal intermediary services for the program. Those who are interested in learning more about the program should contact the Chillicothe, Cincinnati or Huntington VAMC who administers the program and makes the eligibility determination.
To be eligible for the program, a veteran must be enrolled with the VAMC, have a VA primary care provider, and meet the eligibility criteria for home and community-based services as determined by the VAMC. Interested Veterans should talk with their primary care team at the Chillicothe, Cincinnati or Huntington VAMC.