Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program

Veteran being helped in office
Soldiers saluting the American flag, wearing fatigues, all shown from back with a female being the primary subject in the image

A Self-Directed Home Care Support Program for Veterans

With VDC, the Veteran will team up with Disability Network Mid-Michigan to direct their own personal care services, including:

What services are needed

When services will be provided

Where services will be provided

Who will provide services

Eligible Veterans are approved for a flexible annual budget that can be used to purchase personal care assistance and specific goods/services that help the Veteran avoid nursing facility placement. No funds are directly paid to the Veteran; a Financial Management Service (FMS) will assist the Veteran with paperwork, paying workers, and taxes.

A Person-Centered Counselor (PCC) from Disability Network Mid-Michigan will work with the Veteran to identify care needs and assist in developing a spending plan.

Veteran being helped in office

Responsibilities and Eligibility Requirements

VDC-eligible Veterans are responsible for:

Hiring their own personal care aides or respite/emergency care to give a break to primary caregivers
Purchasing needed items and services to assist with independent living
Following all program guidelines
Recruiting, interviewing, training, supervising, approving time sheets, determining employee wages, and evaluating their own support workers

The following Veterans are eligible for VDC:

Have complex, chronic medical needs
Require long-term assistance with activities of daily living/personal care
Are active with their local VAMC
Meet clinical and administrative criteria
Are interested in directing their own care

Available in these counties: Alcona, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Saginaw

Interested in Evaluation for the VDC Program?

Fill out this form to get the process started or call us for more information at 989-835-4041.

Fill out the form and activate the submit button.

Your preferred method of communication

  • A collaboration of the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center
  • Annual budgets/spending plans must be approved by VA VDC program staff before funds can be spent.
  • An authorized representative can be appointed to assist the Veteran with making decisions.
  • Enrolling in VDC does exempt Veteran from some Home and Community Based Care Programs.