Alaska Veteran Directed Care Program (VOICE - Veterans' Options for Independence, Choice and Empowerment)

Alaska Veteran Directed Care Program (VOICE)

Program Name: Veterans' Options for Independence, Choice and Empowerment (VOICE)

Geographic Scope: Southeast Alaska small communities

Focus Areas: Veteran-directed long-term caregiver assistance

Program Description

A veteran-directed care program providing funding for veterans to pay caregivers that they select. The program emphasizes veteran control and choice in their care arrangement.

Philosophy

Veteran-directed care places the veteran as the employer with decision-making authority:

• Veteran decides who to hire as caregiver
• Veteran determines hours of service
• Veteran decides what tasks caregivers perform
• Funding goes directly to selected caregivers (may include family members)
• Care provided in veteran's own residence

Eligibility

• Must be a veteran
• Must work with primary care provider and complete assessment
• Must have higher level care needs
• Assessment submitted to the VA

Current Enrollment

• Approximately 20 veterans currently enrolled
• Program has capacity for more participants

Contact Information

Vendor Services Coordinator: Sarah Wallace

• Location: Juneau office

Application Process

1. Initial Assessment: Work with your primary care provider
2. Assessment Completion: Complete assessment with primary care provider
3. VA Review: Assessment sent to the VA for review
4. Approval: Once approved, veteran is enrolled in the program
5. Program Setup: SAIL staff assist with setting up the program (staff support ongoing)

Eligibility Assessment

Assessment is required to determine if program is appropriate for the veteran's needs. Program is designed for veterans with higher care needs.

Veteran Responsibilities

Once enrolled, veterans are largely self-sufficient for most aspects of the program.