If you’re a veteran—or a surviving spouse—and need help with two or more activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, or preventing falls, you may qualify for in-home care that may be fully or partially covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
At Brightwood Health, we’re proud to support Arizona’s veterans with the care, dignity, and independence they’ve earned. Our team helps families navigate eligibility, gather documentation, and coordinate directly with VA-approved channels so care can begin quickly and seamlessly.
Understanding VA Benefits for Home Care
There are two main VA programs that may help with in-home support. However, one is often simpler and faster to access for most families.
Homemaker / Home Health Aide Benefit
If you’re already enrolled in VA Medical Benefits, you may qualify for a set number of in-home care hours through the Homemaker/Home Health Aide or Respite Care program.
This benefit is coordinated directly through your existing VA medical coverage and can be started with the help of your VA physician or case manager. It’s designed to provide non-medical support at home—help with meals, light housekeeping, mobility, and companionship—without the long waits or complex paperwork associated with other programs.
Brightwood Health is an approved provider for this benefit and can help veterans and families connect with their local VA office to begin care quickly and confidently.
If you’re unsure where to start, Brightwood can review your situation and walk you through the next steps.
VA Improved Pension (Aid & Attendance)
Another benefit, called the VA Improved Pension (formerly Aid & Attendance), may also help cover long-term care at home or in an assisted living setting.
However, this program is more complex and takes significantly longer to process. Because of that, many families find it’s best to begin with the Homemaker program while exploring this option in parallel with help from an accredited advisor.
Brightwood can connect you with trusted partners who specialize in this area to determine whether it may be a fit.
Why So Many Families Miss This Benefit
Even though it’s a federal program, many veterans and spouses never apply. In fact, according to the VA, fewer than one in four eligible veterans receive these benefits.
Why?
Because the application process can feel confusing or intimidating. Families also often assume the VA only covers medical or facility-based care. Additionally, missing paperwork—like a physician’s letter or the DD-214—can delay or derail applications.
The good news is that once eligibility and need are documented, the VA can help fund ongoing, non-medical support at home. That means seniors can stay safe, independent, and connected to their families longer.
How Brightwood Health Helps Veterans Access Benefits
At Brightwood, we’ve helped veteran families across Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tucson get the care they need without financial strain. Our Care Coordination team works closely with VA-accredited advisors and case managers to make the process clear and stress-free from the start.
Here’s how we help:
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Connect you with the right experts to confirm what you qualify for.
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Coordinate with VA-approved care channels and accredited advisors.
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Work directly with VA Case Managers to understand your benefits and provide the care you’re approved for.
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Track and document monthly care hours for compliance and reimbursement.
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Offer personalized guidance at no cost to families.
Common Myths About VA In-Home Care
Myth 1: The VA only covers medical or hospital care.
False. The VA benefit also supports non-medical, personal care at home—including help with meals, hygiene, mobility, and companionship.
Myth 2: You have to be injured in service to qualify.
Not true. Eligibility is based on age, service, and need—not on a service-connected disability.
Myth 3: It’s too complicated to apply.
While the process can be detailed, experienced home care agencies and accredited partners—like those in Brightwood’s referral network—make it much easier to manage.
Real-World Impact
For families caring for aging veterans, these programs can make the difference between burnout and balance. Even a few hours of daily support can relieve family caregivers, prevent hospitalizations, and dramatically improve quality of life.
As one Arizona family shared:
“We didn’t know this existed until Brightwood explained it. Within a few weeks, my dad had care at home—and the VA was helping pay for it.”
Making It Simple
We understand VA paperwork can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Brightwood’s Care Coordination team will review your situation, connect you with trusted VA-accredited partners, and manage the required care documentation at no cost.
If you think you may qualify—or simply want to learn more—call us today at 480-718-7180. We’ll help you determine your eligibility and get care started quickly.
“For those who served, support at home should be simple. We’re here to make sure it is.”
— David Gibson, COO, Brightwood Health