Veteran Directed Care 

Since 2023, Sourcewise has partnered with the Veteran Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System to provide the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program to the counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Mateo and Monterey.  This program is an alternative to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). VDC provides participants with funds for in-home and community-based services. Ultimately, the hope of the VDC program is that by empowering Veterans to choose their own care, they can remain independent in their own home.

VDC promotes independence by:

• Providing help with in-home care, such as paying a family member for caregiving or employing a caregiver through an in-home care agency.
• Providing approved supplies that are not currently available through traditional VA benefits, such as incontinence supplies.

To determine eligibility, Veterans can inquire by connecting with their social worker at the VA to assess their eligibility and begin the enrollment process. Once deemed eligible and enrolled, Veterans work together with a care advisor to develop a personalized service plan.

For a former Marine, VDC came as a much-needed solution. After describing his health challenges and struggle to afford in-home care, which he needed to continue living safely at home, George W. heard about VDC from his VA social worker. He was approved to receive VDC benefits and worked with the care advisor from Sourcewise to develop a service plan that addressed his unique situation. Through VDC, he was able to get financial support to pay for caregivers, pay the VTA for transportation services, and access community services at Live Oak Adult Day Center. VDC allows George to age more comfortably, and focus on his hobbies, which include solving puzzles, completing memory games, and looking at famous artwork.

For any questions about VDC, contact (669) 230-4290 for assistance with getting connected to the VA to determine eligibility.