On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice have shaped the freedoms we cherish today. At Age Well, we recognize the unique needs and contributions of our senior veterans, many of whom continue to enrich our Vermont communities with their strength and wisdom.

As we celebrate this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting veterans in their later years, ensuring they receive the care, respect, and services they deserve. Whether through healthcare, resources, or simply a listening ear, we are here to assist veterans in aging with dignity and independence.

To all our veterans—thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to our country. We are proud to stand by you.

Veterans have devoted their lives to serving and protecting us. We should strive to honor sacrifices made by Veterans with care that matches their commitment.

The Veteran Directed Care Program centers the unique needs and preferences of Veterans, allowing them to maintain decision-making authority over the care they receive. This personalized approach ensures that our heroes receive the respect and support they deserve, while fostering independence and dignity in managing their health and well-being.

What is the Veteran Directed Care program?

The Veteran Directed Care (VDC) Program, established in 2008, is a valuable initiative that provides veterans of all ages with the support they need to live independently at home. This program, provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the Administration for Community Living (ACL), supports veterans in managing everyday tasks that may become more difficult as they grow older. Whether it’s bathing, taking medication, managing finances, getting in and out of bed, dressing, or preparing meals, the VDC program empowers veterans to live with greater independence and improved quality of life. It’s all about helping veterans stay in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the care and support they deserve.

Am I Eligible for the Veteran Directed Care Program?

Eligibility for the VDC Program is based on a few simple criteria: veterans must be enrolled in VA healthcare and be able to direct their own care. To keep receiving VDC benefits, veterans need to complete an annual renewal.

Once enrolled, veterans will work with VA representatives and Age Well to build a plan tailored to their needs and connect with available resources. The VDC program provides veterans with a budget to help cover care expenses, and veterans can use this funding to hire non-agency caregivers, often family or friends. This flexibility allows veterans to stay in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the support they need.

James Haugland, the Age Well VDC Lead, is available to help veterans and their families navigate the process and find the right care providers. According to James, one of the biggest challenges veterans face is feeling hesitant to ask for help. But remember, Age Well is here to support veterans and their families every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

What other programs and services does Age Well offer to Veterans?

Not all Veterans are looking for care provided through the VDC program. Age Well can still help Veterans (60 years of age and older, or disabled veterans of any age) receive the following services:

• Meals on Wheels – Home Delivered Meals
• Community Meals, Restaurant Ticket Program, Grab & Go Meals
• Wellness Opportunities – Tai Chi, Matter of Balance
• Case Management
• Respite Volunteers and other opportunities for Caregiver Support
• Minor Home Repairs
• Friendly Visiting (a volunteer program for companionship) – Veterans Visiting Veterans. Learn more about volunteering with Age Well here.

Resources for Veterans in Vermont

We’re committed to ensuring that our veterans have access to the support they need. Explore a range of resources available in northwestern Vermont, from healthcare services and mental health support to community programs and financial assistance.

• Veteran Support:
  • Vermont Veteran’s Outreach Program
    • State of Vermont Contact List – Directory of Outreach Representatives by County
    • Facebook Page
  • Josh’s House, Colchester, VT – a wellness and recreation center for Vermont’s service members. 
  • Friends of Veterans – Vermont and New Hampshire
    • An all-volunteer organization dedicated to preventing veteran homelessness and providing financial assistance for rent when eviction is imminent, mortgage payments if foreclosure is imminent, security deposits, utility bills if shutoff is threatened and car repairs if the vehicle is needed for employment or critical healthcare visits.
  • Age Well Caregiver Support resources
  • Vermont 211 Resource Directory
• Healthcare
  • White River Junction VA Medical Center
  • Burlington Lakeside VA Clinic
• Housing
  • Resources for Homeless Veterans
  • VA Housing Assistance
• Recreation, Wellness, and more:
  • Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing – Green Mountain Veterans, Burlington. This organization offers physical and emotional rehabilitation for disabled active military service personnel and veterans.
  •  Stable Connections – Pathfinders Workshop for Veterans, an 8-week workshop for veterans to work through trauma with interacting with horses.
  • Vermont Adaptive Sports – An organization that manages a variety of programs specifically designed for injured service members, veterans with disabilities, and their families.
  • Vermont Paws & Boots – An organization dedicating to partnering rescue dogs with disabled veterans and trains them to work together.