Respite · federal

VA Respite Care

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Respite Care pays for care for a short time when family caregivers need a break, need to run errands, or need to go out of town. There are two types: Home Respite Care (a paid home health aide comes to the veteran's home, or the veteran attends an adult day health care program) and Nursing Home Respite Care (the veteran stays in a VA Community Living Center or a community nursing home, scheduled in advance). The program is for veterans who need help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, fixing meals), or who are isolated, or whose caregiver is experiencing burden. Can be combined with other Home and Community Based Services.

Who qualifies

All enrolled veterans are eligible if they meet the clinical criteria for the service and it is available. Services vary by location. If respite is provided by a community agency, adult day health care center, or nursing home, the veteran also needs to meet community care eligibility.

What it covers

Home health aide visits, adult day health care attendance, or short stays in a Community Living Center or community nursing home. Nursing Home Respite Care is available for a maximum of 30 days per calendar year.

Cost

A copay for Respite Care may be charged based on VA service-connected disability status and financial information. Contact your VA social worker/case manager to complete the Application for Extended Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EC) to learn your copay amount.

How to apply

Contact your VA social worker/case manager. Complete VA Form 10-10EC (Application for Extended Care Benefits) to determine copay. Your social worker will help locate VA Respite Care services and arrange care.

Where to get this in Washington

3 organizations deliver this program. Coverage varies, so check the area each one serves.

VA Puget Sound Health Care System (800) 329-8387
VHA health-care system covering Western Washington with two main campuses: Seattle VA Medical Center (1660 S Columbian Way) and American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma (9600 Veterans Dr SW). Hub for VA primary care, geriatrics, mental health, and extended care for the Puget Sound region.
VA Spokane Health Care System (Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center)(509) 434-7000
Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, the VAMC anchoring VA Spokane Health Care System, serving veterans in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
VA Walla Walla Health Care System (Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center)(509) 525-5200
Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center, the VAMC anchoring VA Walla Walla Health Care System, serving veterans across SE Washington, NE Oregon, and West Idaho.

Apply online

www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Respite_Care.asp

Source www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Respite_Care.asp