VA Home Care in San Diego
Authorized Homemaker, Home Health Aide & Respite Services through the VA Community Care Network
FROM ONE VETERAN TO ANOTHER.
VA home care in San Diego County — delivered by a team that understands service
A FEDERAL BENEFIT. NOT PRIVATE INSURANCE.
What is the VA Community Care Network?
The VA Community Care Network allows eligible Veterans to receive certain medical and non-medical services from approved community providers when those services are authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
This is not a private insurance plan. It is an official federal VA benefit.
When approved:
- The VA issues a formal authorization
- Care is scheduled with an approved provider
- Services are delivered in the Veteran's home
- The VA pays the provider directly
- The Veteran pays nothing for covered services
In our region, the VA Community Care Network is administered by TriWest Healthcare Alliance (Region 4 — California). TriWest coordinates authorizations between the VA and approved providers, such as All Heart Home Care.
We're here to help
Speak with a care coordinator
Important: This program differs from Aid & Attendance, a VA pension benefit. Your VA doctor orders VA Community Care services based on medical necessity — not financial status.
WHAT'S INCLUDED WHEN YOU'RE APPROVED.
Services covered under VA Community Care
Under VA authorization, the following services may be provided in the Veteran’s home:
Home Health Aide (HHA) Services
- Assistance with moving from one place to another as a person goes through their daily routine
- Personal hygiene, oral care, and grooming, including skin and hair care
- Showering and/or bathing
- Toileting, which includes getting on/off the toilet and cleaning oneself
- Dressing
- Simple meal prep
- Housekeeping related to ADLs (i.e. laundry related to incontinence care, clean up related to eating, such as dishes, crumbs on floor)
Respite care
Temporary in-home support so family caregivers can rest, attend appointments, travel, or prevent burnout. Veterans receive up to 30 days of respite care per calendar year, with a maximum of 6 hours per day. Respite must be pre-authorized before services begin and is available to any Veteran receiving H/HHA services who has a family caregiver in the home.
What is not covered
ELIGIBILITY AT A GLANCE.
Who qualifies for VA home care services?
WHAT VETERANS AND FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW.
Is there a cost for VA home care in San Diego?
- Enrollment in VA health care
- Clinical eligibility determined by a VA provider
- VA authorization approval
- Service-connected disability status and VA priority group
A CLEAR PATH FROM APPROVAL TO CARE.
From referral to first visit — how VA home care in San Diego works
Most families are surprised by how straightforward the process is once the VA issues an authorization. Here is what to expect:
Step 1 — VA referral
Your VA Primary Care Provider, social worker, or nurse case manager determines you qualify for community care services. A referral is created within the VA system for Homemaker, Home Health Aide, or Respite support.
Step 2 — Authorization issued
TriWest (or the VA directly) issues a formal authorization that outlines approved services, authorized weekly hours, service duration, and billing guidelines. Authorization numbers are typically available within 24–48 hours of Community Care processing. Our office reviews and confirms the authorization immediately upon receipt.
Step 3 — Care coordination and caregiver matching
We contact the Veteran, the family, and the assigned VA case manager. We match a qualified caregiver to the Veteran based on personality, experience, schedule, and the Veteran’s specific needs through our caregiver compatibility matching system. The start date is confirmed, and all required documentation is completed.
Step 4 — Services begin
Care begins in the home. Every visit is electronically verified through our caregiver monitoring system, tracked in real time by our office, and overseen by our licensed vocational nurse. The VA and family stay informed throughout.
Most Veterans begin receiving care within days of authorization — not weeks.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
Does your loved one qualify for VA home care?
Veteran military history requirements
Did the veteran serve in active-duty military?
National Guard alone does not qualify.
Did the veteran receive honorable, general or medical discharge?
Dishonorable, bad conduct or dismissal (officer), does not qualify.
Activities of daily living requirements
Does the veteran need help with at least two of the following five activities of daily living due to age, injury, or illness? Eligibility is confirmed through a VA RN assessment. If the answer is no, the veteran does not qualify.
Transfers | Ambulation
moving from one place to another through daily routine
Personal hygiene
oral care, and grooming, including skin and hair care
Showering | Bathing
assistance with showering or bathing safely
Toileting
includes getting on/off the toilet and cleaning oneself
Dressing
selecting outfits and fastening buttons
YOUR NEXT STEPS.
Is the veteran signed up with VA Health Care?
IF YES
Call your assigned social worker, if known or
Call
The main social work office in your area or call the VA San Diego Home and Community-Based Care line: (858) 642-3680.
Request
Home Health Aide | Homemaker Assistance through VA Community Care Network.
Not automatic
Receipt of Homemaker | HHA services is not automatic. It's based on an assessment and evaluation. If approved, care is coordinated by social workers or RN Supervisors.
Request agency
Request: Adult Home Health Care LLC DBA: All Heart Home Care as provider agency NPI# is: 1801286695 and Tax ID is: 46-5260819
Wait for letter
Clients are mailed a letter explaining hours approved, will be contacted by agency referred.
Unsatisfied results
Call patient advocate, your social worker, or
visit the:
VA.gov website.
Enter Location: Zip Code
Enter Facility Type: VA Health
Enter Service Type: Caregiver Support
IF NO
Sign the Veteran up for VA Health Care
How to apply for VA Health Care
5 ways to apply. Visit How to Apply Find your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs VA Health Care how to apply.
Apply online
Apply for health care benefits at: VA Health Care Online Application
Apply by phone
Call: 877-222-8387 to get help with your application. Mon - Fri, 8:00am to 8:00 pm. ET.
Apply by mail
Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ). Download the:
VA Form 10-10EZ
You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And:
If you’re using a power of attorney, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application.
If you sign with an “X,” 2 people you know must witness your signature. They’ll also need to sign and print their names on the form.
Send your completed application here:
Health Eligibility Center
PO Box 5207
Janesville, WI 53547-5207
Apply in person
Fill out an Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ). Download the:
VA Form 10-10EZ
You or someone acting as your power of attorney must sign and date the form. And:
If you’re using a power of attorney, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Power of Attorney form along with your application.
If you sign with an “X,” 2 people you know must witness your signature. They’ll also need to sign and print their names on the form.
Go to your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Bring a signed Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) with you.
Find a VA medical center or clinic near you
Find your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs
Apply with the help of a trained professional
You can work with an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative to get help applying for health care benefits. Get help filling out an application.
Once enrolled in health benefits by the VA
Schedule an appointment at the VA for an assessment | evaluation and explain the need for a home health aide | homemaker care to the VA MD or Social Worker. Then follow the same steps as "IF YES"
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
VA Community Care vs. VA Aid & Attendance — what is the difference?
These are two separate VA programs. Understanding the difference helps Veterans access the right benefit. Some Veterans may qualify for both programs. If you are unsure which applies to your situation, our team can help you understand your options and connect you with the right VA resources.
VA Community Care Network (CCN)
- A health care benefit ordered by your VA doctor
- Based on medical necessity and functional need
- The VA pays approved community providers directly
- Services include Homemaker, Home Health Aide, and Respite Care
- Eligibility requires enrollment in VA health care
- This is the program All Heart Home Care is approved for
VA Aid & Attendance
- A pension benefit based on military service and financial standing
- Paid directly to the Veteran (or surviving spouse)
- The Veteran chooses how to use the funds
- Requires wartime service and assets below a certain threshold
- Can be used to pay for private home care
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT VA HOME CARE.
Frequently asked questions about VA home care in San Diego
Is there any cost to the Veteran?
When services are authorized through the VA Community Care Network, covered services are paid directly by the VA. Most Veterans pay nothing out of pocket. Some Veterans may have a small copay after the first 21 days, depending on their priority group.
Can my regular doctor refer me for VA home care services?
Do I need to live near a VA facility?
No. VA Community Care exists specifically to provide services in the community when the VA cannot deliver them directly. You must be enrolled in VA health care, but services are delivered in your home.
What if the Veteran doesn't actually need help with ADLs?
VA H/HHA services are specifically for ADL and IADL assistance. If a Veteran does not have ADL dependencies, or refuses ADL assistance, they do not qualify for this program. Veterans who need only cleaning, companionship, or general assistance can ask their VA Primary Care Social Worker for other community resources — or may choose to pay privately for those services.
How long does approval take?
Timelines vary based on VA evaluation scheduling and documentation review. Once an authorization is issued, All Heart typically begins care within days.
Is this the same as Aid & Attendance?
No. Aid & Attendance is a pension benefit based on financial standing and military service. VA Community Care is a health care benefit ordered by your VA provider based on medical necessity. They are separate programs.
Can I choose my own provider?
Yes. When authorized for community care, Veterans may select from approved providers in their area. All Heart Home Care is an approved VA Community Care Network provider serving San Diego County.
The VA’s community care provider list is currently at capacity and not accepting new home care agencies. However, the VA has made an exception for continuity of care: Veterans who are already receiving home care services through All Heart Home Care may request that we be their VA-authorized provider. All that is required is two weeks of prior care delivered by our agency — no minimum weekly hours.
To make that transition as easy as possible, we offer a discounted rate for the two-week qualification period. Once the requirement is met, your VA social worker or care coordinator can designate All Heart Home Care as your authorized provider — and VA coverage takes over from there.
Ready to get started? Call us at (619) 736-4677.
What if my needs change after care begins?
We coordinate with your VA case manager to request updated authorizations if your care needs increase or change. Our nurse reviews your care plan regularly. Authorizations are issued for a set duration, and All Heart tracks renewal timelines on your behalf — submitting renewal requests to the VA one month before your authorization expires so there is no interruption to your care.
What services are NOT covered under VA Community Care home care?
What type of cleaning do caregivers provide?
Our caregivers provide light housekeeping as part of their care visits — general tidying, wiping down surfaces, washing dishes, and maintaining a clean, safe living environment. We are not a deep cleaning or housekeeping service, and caregivers are not equipped to perform heavy-duty cleaning, move furniture, or handle appliances beyond normal everyday use. If deep cleaning is needed, we recommend arranging it with a house cleaning company. Setting clear expectations from the start helps ensure everyone is on the same page.
What level of meal preparation do caregivers provide?
Our caregivers provide basic, everyday meal preparation as part of their care visit. This includes preparing simple, home-style meals such as scrambled eggs, sandwiches, soups, pasta, and other straightforward dishes using ingredients already in the home.
Caregivers are not professional chefs or culinary-trained cooks. They are not expected to prepare complex recipes, multi-course meals, or specialty cuisine. Meal preparation is intended to ensure the Veteran has a nutritious, safe, and timely meal — not a restaurant-quality dining experience.
To set everyone up for success, we encourage families to stock simple, easy-to-prepare ingredients and to share any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or preferences with our care coordinator before services begin. If a Veteran has specific cultural food preferences or medical dietary requirements, discussing those in advance allows us to match the right caregiver as closely as possible.
Can you guarantee the same caregiver for every visit?
Caregiver continuity is something we genuinely prioritize, and in most cases, Veterans do see the same caregiver consistently. That said, it’s important to understand that staffing changes are a reality across the home care industry. Caregivers have their own lives, health needs, and scheduling realities — and there will be times when a different caregiver covers a shift.
When that happens, we do not simply send whoever is available. We select a caregiver who is familiar with the Veteran’s care plan, ensure a proper handoff of care notes, and work to restore your regular caregiver as quickly as possible.
Our goal is consistency. Our commitment is continuity of quality care — even when the face changes.
What happens if my caregiver cancels or can't make their shift?
Caregivers are people, and occasionally personal emergencies arise. When a cancellation occurs, our team works to arrange coverage as quickly as possible. While we make every effort to fill shifts promptly, same-day replacement is not always guaranteed — caregivers have established schedules and prior commitments. We communicate proactively when a change occurs and do our best to minimize disruption to care.
What happens to my VA home care benefit if I enroll in the PCAFC or VDC program?
Two VA programs can affect your H/HHA services. If a Veteran enrolls in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), authorized home care hours may be reduced because the primary live-in caregiver takes on the care role and receives a monthly stipend from the VA. If a Veteran enrolls in the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program — which allows Veterans to self-direct their own care budget — H/HHA services must stop entirely, though respite services may still be available.
If you are currently receiving VA home care and are considering either program, contact your VA social worker before enrolling so you understand how your existing services will be affected.
What should I do if I believe something is missing from the home?
We understand this is a sensitive concern, especially for Veterans or family members managing cognitive changes such as dementia. Memory-related conditions can sometimes lead to confusion about the location of personal belongings, and this is worth considering before drawing conclusions.
If after a thorough search an item still cannot be located, the VA advises that a police report be filed directly with local law enforcement. Neither the VA nor All Heart Home Care assumes liability for personal items reported missing from the home. Filing a police report creates an official record and is the appropriate next step if theft is suspected.
We ask that you also notify our office so we are aware of the situation. All Heart Home Care maintains a zero-tolerance policy for dishonesty among our staff and takes all concerns seriously.
Proven. Vetted. Trusted.
When the VA authorizes your care with us, here’s why families trust All Heart
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A+ BBB Accredited Business (since 2014)
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A Place for Mom “Best of Senior Living” (multiple years, top national ranking)
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The San Diego Union-Tribune “Best Non-Medical In-Home Care Agency”
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The San Diego Union-Tribune “Favorite In-Home Care Agency"
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La Mesa Courier GOLD winner for home care, five years running
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"People Love Us on Yelp” award recipient
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Verified Veteran-Owned Business
These aren’t vanity badges. These are real San Diego families telling others about All Heart Home Care because they trust us.
Serving veterans across San Diego County
All Heart Home Care proudly serves seniors throughout San Diego County. Whether your loved one lives in San Diego or elsewhere in the county, we can provide veteran home care wherever it’s needed.
We proudly provide VA-authorized home care in:
We have local caregivers across the region, reducing long commutes and ensuring timely, reliable service.
Wherever your loved one is located in San Diego County, we’ll come to you with a smile and a helping hand. No matter where you are in San Diego County, the best way to learn about All Heart Home Care is to call us directly.
Ready to check your eligibility?
The first step is simple: talk to us.