Purchased Skilled Home Care

Definition

Purchased Skilled Home Care is a term used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to describe a healthcare service provided to eligible veterans who require in-home medical treatment. These services are delivered by licensed professionals, such as nurses and therapists. The purpose of this benefit is to help veterans receive necessary care in the comfort of their own homes rather than moving to a healthcare facility.

Key Takeaways

1. Purchased Skilled Home Care is a service provided by the VA, which offers skilled nursing care, therapy, and personal care in a veteran’s home to optimize independence, health, and quality of life.
2. This benefit is available to eligible veterans who require assistance with daily activities, medical care, or rehabilitation, and prefer to receive these services at home rather than at an institution or hospital.
3. The VA partners with professional home care providers and covers a portion or the entire cost of these services for qualified veterans, depending on their level of need and available resources.

Importance

The VA benefits term “Purchased Skilled Home Care” is important because it denotes a crucial support service available to eligible veterans who require professional assistance with medical needs or activities of daily living within the comfort of their own home.

By offering access to skilled health care professionals such as nurses, therapists, and home health aides, this benefit promotes independence, well-being, and an improved quality of life for veterans who might otherwise face challenges in managing their health or daily tasks.

Furthermore, the Purchased Skilled Home Care benefit eases the financial burden on veterans and their families, allowing them to make the most appropriate long-term care choices based on their individual needs and preferences.

Overall, this benefit plays a vital role in honoring and supporting the men and women who have bravely served the country.

Explanation

The primary purpose of Purchased Skilled Home Care (PSHC) is to provide a wide range of high-quality long-term care services to eligible veterans who require in-home assistance in order to maintain their independence and daily functioning. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes the needs of veterans who prefer to remain in their homes despite facing health challenges or disabilities that make it difficult for them to perform day-to-day tasks.

By offering PSHC benefits, the VA aims to enhance the veterans’ quality of life, allowing them to stay in their familiar surroundings while receiving professional care services. This support can prove invaluable to veterans who prefer to avoid institutionalized care settings or those for whom moving to a residential care facility isn’t feasible due to personal or family circumstances. Purchased Skilled Home Care services encompass various types of care to cater to the diverse needs of veterans.

These services can include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and home health aide services. Tailored according to the individual needs of each veteran, these services ensure comprehensive in-home care and can be combined with other VA programs such as home-based primary care (HBPC) and Homemaker Home Health Aide (H/HHA) services. By providing PSHC benefits, the VA reinforces its commitment to supporting the wellbeing and dignity of veterans, acknowledging their service to the nation, and helping them lead fulfilling lives with the utmost comfort and convenience.

Examples of Purchased Skilled Home Care

The term “Purchased Skilled Home Care” refers to services purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide skilled medical care in a veteran’s home. Here are three real-world examples:

Wound Care: A veteran who has recently undergone surgery or suffered an injury may require skilled wound care services in their home. The VA can purchase skilled home care services from a certified home health agency, which will manage the veteran’s wound, educate the patient and their family on proper wound care techniques, and monitor the healing process.

Physical or Occupational Therapy: A veteran recovering from a stroke, accident, or other debilitating event might need physical or occupational therapy to regain their functionality and independence. The VA can purchase these services from qualified therapists who would then visit the veteran’s home, assess their needs, and devise a structured plan for rehabilitation. Examples may include helping the veteran improve their fine motor skills, regain muscle strength and coordination, and adapt to any changes in their daily activities.

Home Infusion Services: Some veterans require specialized medications, such as IV antibiotics or chemotherapy, which must be administered in a controlled environment by trained healthcare professionals. In these cases, the VA can purchase skilled home care services from licensed home infusion providers. These providers come to the veteran’s home and safely administer the required medications, ensuring the proper dosages, and monitor the patient’s condition throughout the treatment process.In all of these examples, skilled home care services are provided to veterans as part of their VA benefits, with the aim of helping them recover and maintain their health in the comfort of their own homes.

FAQ – Purchased Skilled Home Care

1. What is Purchased Skilled Home Care?

Purchased Skilled Home Care is a benefit provided by the VA for eligible veterans who require skilled home care services. These services include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other personal care services like bathing and dressing assistance. This benefit supports veterans who require assistance in their daily activities to maintain their independence at home.

2. Who is eligible for Purchased Skilled Home Care?

Eligible veterans for Purchased Skilled Home Care include those who are enrolled in the VA health care system and require skilled home care services due to a service-connected disability, a chronic illness, or a decline in their ability to perform activities of daily living. The specific eligibility criteria may vary, so it’s important to consult with your VA health care provider for a thorough evaluation.

3. How can I apply for Purchased Skilled Home Care?

To apply for Purchased Skilled Home Care, you should first speak with your VA health care provider to discuss your needs and determine your eligibility. Your provider may need to complete an assessment and obtain authorization from the VA. Once approved, the VA will coordinate with in-network skilled home care providers to arrange the necessary services for you.

4. Do I need to pay any co-payment for Purchased Skilled Home Care services?

Whether you’re required to pay a co-payment for Purchased Skilled Home Care services depends on your specific situation, service-connected disability rating, and the nature of the services you receive. It’s best to consult with your VA health care provider or a VA benefits specialist to determine if any co-payments apply to your situation.

5. Can I choose my own skilled home care provider through the Purchased Skilled Home Care program?

You typically need to choose from in-network skilled home care providers that have an agreement with the VA. The VA will work with you to find a provider within your area that meets your needs. In some cases, the VA may authorize care from an out-of-network provider, but it’s important to work closely with the VA and follow the proper procedures to ensure authorization for any out-of-network care.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Home Health Aide Services
• Respite Care
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech-Language Pathology

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• National Institute on Aging
• National Council on Aging
• Eldercare Locator