Common Questions About Veteran Care

How do I get started?

If you are already enrolled with the VA, ask your social worker to send the authorization to Alegre Home Care. Our Care Manager will contact you to gather the information needed and schedule a time to begin care. Once services start, our administrative team is available by phone 24 hours a day.

How do I enroll to receive VA-paid home care?

To receive Homemaker and Home Health Aide or respite services paid directly by the VA, Veterans must first be seen by a VA primary care provider. To get started, call the VA Health Eligibility line at (877) 222-8387 or the local VA at (415) 750-2234.

At your appointment, your primary care provider and a social worker will assess your needs, determine eligibility, and confirm the amount of care authorized. If care is approved, ask the social worker to send the authorization to Alegre Home Care. Our Care Manager will contact you to gather additional information and schedule a time to begin care.

You can also call us, and we will be happy to help connect you with someone at the local VA.

Can I get respite care if I care for my spouse who is a veteran?

Eligible veterans and their family caregivers may qualify for services through the Respite Care Program. To learn whether you qualify, contact the VA and request an assessment for respite services to support a family caregiver who needs relief. A VA social worker, in coordination with the veteran’s VA primary care provider, will assess needs and may create an authorization for care. Once Alegre Home Care receives the authorization, our Care Manager will contact you to gather additional information and schedule a time to begin care. Once services start, our administrative team is available by phone 24 hours a day.

Am I eligible?

Homemaker and Home Health Aide services and respite services are included in the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package. Enrolled veterans may be eligible if they have a clinical need for the service. The Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program is designed to help veterans of any age remain living safely at home. The VA determines the amount of care authorized and sends authorizations to contracted agencies, such as Alegre Home Care, to provide care.

Eligible veterans and survivors may also use VA aid and attendance funding to help pay for care.

Is there a copay?

A copay may apply for Homemaker and Home Health Aide or respite services, depending on the veteran’s VA service-connected disability status.

What services does Homemaker/Home Health Aide care cover?

Each authorization is unique and based on the veteran’s needs, as determined by the VA assessment. Some veterans receive care several times a week, while others qualify for occasional support.

VA-approved Home Health Aide tasks may include:

• Light meal preparation
• Light housekeeping, such as laundry, making the bed, or cleaning up after bathing or toileting assistance
• Medication reminders
• Safety supervision
• Assistance with bathing and grooming
• Assistance with toileting and incontinence care
• Assistance with dressing
• Assistance with transfers
• Supervised ambulation, including short supervised walks outside the home when appropriate
• Repositioning and turning