A female caregiver in red helps an elderly woman walk down stairs. They both smile.

Cedar Rapids | Resources

Benefits for Veterans

Veterans Affairs

As a veteran, you made sacrifices for our country. You were there for us when we needed you—now let us be there for you. Many U.S. veterans are unaware of the potential benefits afforded them through Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits allow qualifying veterans and sometimes surviving spouses the ability to receive funding to pay for home care services.

VA Aid and Attendance Pension

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance benefit is available to honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who meet eligibility criteria:

Must have served 90 days or more of active duty, with at least one day of service during a wartime period.
Must have a non-service-related medical condition, requiring assistance with activities of daily living.
Must meet the asset requirement (excludes home and car).
Must meet the ratio of income to medical expenses.

Wartime Periods

World War II
12/7/1941 to 12/31/1946

Korean Conflict
6/27/1950 to 1/31/1955

Vietnam War Era
2/28/1961 to 5/7/1975 in Republic of Vietnam
8/5/1964 to 5/7/1975 outside Republic of Vietnam

Persian Gulf War
8/2/1990 to TBD

For more information about this type of benefit and for assistance with determining eligibility call the Linn County Veterans Affairs office at (319) 892-5160. It is located at 1240 26th Ave Ct SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

Veterans Affairs: Home and Community Based Services

Right at Home Cedar Rapids has been a contracted provider of home care with the Iowa City VA Health Care System for several years. We work closely with VA social workers, case managers, and nurses to provide homemaker and home health aide services to those veterans in need throughout the Corridor. We are also able to provide skilled nursing visits and respite care. If you are a veteran but are new to the VA Health Care System, we recommend contacting the Cedar Rapids VA Clinic at 319-369-4340 to schedule an initial evaluation. If you are a current member of the VA Health Care System and have received care within the last year, then you can contact your VA social worker or case manager and request home care services from Right at Home Cedar Rapids. Once we receive an authorization for home care from the VA, we will call you to schedule a needs assessment and then assign a home health aide for you. It is our pleasure to serve those who have served our country!

Our services include:

Communication

We communicate with your healthcare providers on a regular basis to ensure your recovery is progressing as expected and notify them of any changes in your condition to head off any potential complications.

Discharge assistance

We get you home from the hospital, settled in and comfortable, so you can get started healing.

Medication reminders

Managing new medications is an important part of your recovery. Our caregivers make sure you take the medication you need, when you need it.

Transportation

If getting to the pharmacy, grocery store or appointments is a challenge, your recovery could be at risk. We provide transportation to get you where you need to be, so you can stay where you want to be: right at home.

Coordinate appointments

After a hospitalization, there can be a flurry of new appointments. Whether you need follow-up appointments with your general practitioner, a new specialist or a physical therapist, count on us to help you keep it all organized.

Meal preparation

Nutritious meals are vital to a successful recovery. If you have been prescribed a new diet, let us help. Our caregivers prepare nutritious meals for any diet — even special diets for conditions such as diabetes or congestive heart failure.

Housework

Your focus is on your recovery, not housework. Our caregivers take care of typical daily chores, such as vacuuming, washing dishes and cleaning the bathroom.

Safety

You may be a little unsteady on your feet as you regain your strength. We can help prevent falls and assist you with movement and walking.

A line-art icon of a toothbrush alongside a cup of water.

Hygiene

Bathing, dressing and toileting can be difficult. Let our caregivers help you maintain your independence while recovering.