How Veterans Can Access VA Home and Facility Care Programs | The Care Table Ep. 29

This episode of The Care Table podcast provides a comprehensive overview of VA veteran services, focusing on geriatrics and extended care programs. Melissa Rumer, a VA expert, explains enrollment processes, available home and facility services, and how veterans and caregivers can access vital resources to support aging in place. Takeaways: VA healthcare enrollment process Extended care programs for veterans Home-based and community care services Benefits and eligibility criteria for veterans Support for caregivers and family members Sound Bites: "Enroll in VA healthcare to access services." "Start early and connect with VA resources." Products/Books/Resources: Getting started with the VA - https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-... and https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to... Request your military service records (including DD214) - https://www.va.gov/records/get-milita... https://www.archives.gov/veterans/mil... For family members - VA can help you connect to benefits and health care for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers - Learn more about VA benefits for family members and caregivers Geriatrics and Extended Care - https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/ Find a VA accredited representative or VSO - https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accr... Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance - https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attend... Directory of Social Work Leaders - https://www.socialwork.va.gov/Social_... Veterans Benefits Administration - https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/... https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ VA Resource Navigator - https://www.prevention.va.gov/PCL/PCL... VA Caregiver Support Program - https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ VA's National Caregiver Support Line (CSL) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Line (CSL) is a toll-free number 1-855-260-3274 for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available support and services. Our dedicated CSL team provides information on caregiver support services, counseling, educational services, and referrals (electronic notification) to local Caregiver Support Program (CSP) staff at VA medical centers (VAMC). Get started with services for Aging Veterans - https://www.va.gov/files/2025-06/vawe... VA Age-Friendly Health Systems Initiative - https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/V... Pension Poaching FAQ - https://www.va.gov/files/2025-05/pens... “Being Mortal” by Dr. Atul Gawande Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Veteran Services 02:56 Understanding VA Healthcare Enrollment 05:56 Overview of Extended Care Programs 08:48 Personal Care Services Explained 12:02 Navigating Home-Based Care Options 14:56 Skilled Home Care and Nursing Services 17:52 Palliative Care and Quality of Life 20:43 Eligibility and Benefits Overview 23:42 Avoiding Scams in VA Benefits 26:51 Conclusion and Resources 40:16 Understanding VA Coverage for Nursing Homes 44:10 Exploring Assisted Living Options for Veterans 49:07 Navigating Financial Assistance for Care 50:41 The Importance of Early Planning for Care Needs 01:05:07 First Steps for Caregivers Seeking VA Resources 01:11:52 Maximizing VA Benefits and Resources Support The Care Table Podcast: Watch on YouTube:    / @thecaretable   Follow us on Instagram:   / thecaretable   Visit us on Facebook:   / 61580615603797   Our website: https://www.thecaretable.com/ Email us: [email protected] Please rate and review us so we know if we’re helping you!