Designed specifically to address the needs of veterans requiring home care services, the Community Cares Network (CCN) program has a rich history steeped in a profound commitment to those who have bravely served their country.
From its humble beginnings to becoming a nationwide initiative, the CCN has transformed the lives of veterans and their caregivers, empowering them to age with grace and dignity in the comfort of their homes. It emerged as a response to the growing need for accessible and high-quality home care services for veterans. It was established to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of veterans, particularly those facing challenges related to aging, disabilities, or chronic illnesses.
Among the many programs offered under the CCN by the VA, the Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care program stands out as a vital resource for veterans in need of assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and maintaining their independence.
Federal Veteran Care Began After World War I
The VA has been caring for veterans since the 1930s, 12 years after World War I ended when 204,000 veterans were disabled by their service in “the war to end all wars.” The three separate agencies administering Veterans benefits programs were consolidated into a single entity called the Veterans Administration on July 21, 1930, when President Herbert Hoover signed Executive Order 5398. The complete agency that was the grandfather of the modern VA system went into full effect on July 1, 1931.
More than 15 years later, President Harry Truman established the father of today’s Veterans Health Administration on January 3, 1946, when he signed Public Law 79-293, creating the Department of Medicine and Surgery within the Veterans Administration.
Evolution of Benefits
Changes and updates took place throughout the years to meet the needs of veterans. One big change was the creation of the Community Cares Network.
The origins of the modern Community Care Home Care Monmouth Program can be traced back to the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act). The Choice Act was enacted to address concerns about veterans facing long wait times for VA healthcare or living far from VA medical facilities.
The Choice Act authorized the VA to create the Veterans Choice Program, which aimed to provide eligible veterans with access to healthcare services from non-VA providers, such as private home care companies. This program allowed veterans to seek care closer to their homes through private providers when certain conditions were met.
The Choice Act was later amended and expanded by the VA MISSION Act of 2018. The MISSION Act consolidated various VA community care programs, including the Veterans Choice Program, into a new program called the VA Community Care Program. This program aims to improve access to healthcare services for veterans by offering a broader range of care options, including home care services.
Home Care Benefits
The Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care arm of the CCN specifically focuses on providing in-home care services to eligible veterans who require assistance with activities of daily living. Eligible veterans may receive home care services through approved providers, enabling them to receive necessary care in the comfort of their own homes.
These services can include assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, housekeeping, and respite care for eligible veterans. Through partnerships with qualified home care agencies, the program gained momentum and gradually expanded its reach, bridging the gap between veterans and the support they required, enabling them to remain in the homes and communities they served and protected.
The impact of the Community Cares program has been profound, touching the lives of countless veterans and their families. By providing tailored home care services, the program has empowered veterans to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life in familiar surroundings. The sense of security and personal attention offered by Community Cares has significantly contributed to the overall well-being of veterans, fostering a positive impact on their physical and mental health.
As we look to the future and the incoming wave of aging Baby Boomer veterans who served during Korea and Vietnam, the CCN remains a way for veterans to access the personalized care they need as they age. Assisting Hands Serving Monmouth, Ocean and Mercer counties is a proud provider in the Community Cares Network.
Learn more about veteran options to pay for care from the VA.
Veterans who aren’t signed up for VA health care but believe they’re eligible for coverage are encouraged to apply online. A veteran can also apply by phone at 877-222-8387, by mailing an application for health benefits form, or in person at a VA medical center or clinic.
