Giving Veterans Control Over Their Long-Term Care
Live at Home.
Be in Charge of Your Care.
The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program helps Veterans stay independent in their own homes while getting the support they need. VDC allows Veterans to choose their care, hire their caregivers, including family or friends, and use a budget that supports their needs and priorities.
It’s all about giving Veterans control over their care and daily life.
VDC may be right for you if you:
- Are a Veteran of any age
- Are enrolled in VA health care
- Need nursing home-level care
- Want to direct your own services
VDC is a team effort that makes self-directed care possible:
Veterans
- Set personal goals
- Decide which services and goods to use
- Manage budget and spending plan
- Hire, supervise, and manage caregivers
- Can designate an authorized representative if needed
VA Medical Centers (VAMCs):
- Determine eligibility and refer Veterans to providers
- Approve budgets, care plans, and spending plans
- Monitor progress and reimburse providers
VDC Providers (Senior Connection Center)
- Explain your role as an employer
- Provide Financial Management Services
- Monitor care and well-being
- Handle billing and reporting
Consultants
- Conduct personalized assessments
- Help create care plans and spending plans
- Act as coaches and advocates
Benefits of Veteran Directed Care (VDC)
With VDC, Veterans can:
- Stay Independent: Live safely and comfortably at home instead of a facility
- Be in Control: Choose the services and supports you need and decide who helps you, including hiring family or friends
- Enjoy Flexibility: Tailor care to fit your personal goals and daily needs
- Get Comprehensive Support: Veterans, providers, consultants, and financial management services work together to ensure safe, reliable care
What Veterans and Families Are Saying
“Program is excellent. The Veteran is very happy. Dad would probably be in the nursing home”
“Would HUG you if I could — Program has helped the family out a lot.”
“Grateful for the program. Appreciate all the help with the quality of services and care.”
How to Get Started
Call Your Local VA to confirm eligibility and request a referral to a VDC provider.
Tampa VA (James Haley)
(813) 972-2000
https://www.va.gov/tampa-health-care
VA Bay Pines
(727) 398-6661
https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care
VA Orlando
(407) 631-1000
https://www.va.gov/orlando-health-care
Statewide Resources
National Veteran Crisis Hotline
24/7 confidential counsel for Veterans in crisis.
Call 988, Press 1
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Advocates for Florida veterans, connecting them to earned benefits and services.
https://floridavets.org
Florida Veterans Support Line
Crisis and support counseling.
Call 1-844-MyFLVet (1-844-693-5838) or dial 211
State Veterans’ Service Officers (VSO)
Free benefits counseling and assistance with claims for all state and federal Veterans’ programs.
Call (727) 319-7440 or Email FDVA.VSO@FDVA.FL.GOV
FDVA Free Benefits Counseling
Assistance with claims and evaluation/approval of educational programs (like the Post-9/11 GI Bill). VSOs are co-located with VA Regional Offices, Medical Centers, and Outpatient Clinics.
Call (727) 319-7440
County Veteran Service Offices (CVSO)
Local information on federal, state, and local Veterans’ programs, entitlements, and referral services. Services are free.
CVSO Phone Directory on the FDVA website
Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide
Annual publication with the latest information on federal and state benefits in an easy-to-read format.
Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide on the FDVA website
Governor’s Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GI LAW)
Provides pro bono legal services for military members.
GI LAW webpage on the FDVA website
Español / Spanish Language Contact
Information and assistance regarding Veteran benefits in Spanish.
Contact Walter Pagan at Walter.Pagan@fdva.fl.gov or call (786) 501-9609
