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 like All Heart Home Care.
Important: This program is different from Aid & Attendance, which is a VA pension benefit. VA Community Care services are ordered by your VA doctor based on medical necessity — not financial status.
We're here to help.
Speak with a Care Coordinator
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
- Bathing and personal hygiene assistance
- Dressing and grooming support
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Transfers and mobility assistance
- Meal setup and feeding support
- Medication reminders
- Safety monitoring for cognitive concerns
Homemaker Services
- Light housekeeping to maintain a safe environment
- Laundry
- Meal preparation
- Home safety support
- Assistance with daily routines
Respite Care
Temporary in-home support so family caregivers can rest, attend appointments, travel, or prevent burnout. Respite services are scheduled based on VA authorization guidelines.
What is not covered:
VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide services do not include heavy cleaning, yard work, transportation mileage reimbursement, medication administration (beyond reminders), or companion-only care. Services must be tied to documented functional need and approved by the VA.
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. 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 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
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 three activities of daily living due to age, injury, or illness? If the answer is no, the veteran does not qualify.
Bathing and Personal Care
hygiene, grooming, and skin care
Toileting Assistance
bathroom help, incontinence care
Transfers | Ambulation
getting in and out of bed, chairs, or walking safely
Dressing | Shaving
selecting outfits, fastening buttons, and grooming
Meal Prep | Feeding
cooking, portioning, and assistance with eating
Constant Safety Monitoring
due to significant cognitive impairment.
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. VA San Diego Healthcare System main line: (858) 552-8585. Ask for Home & Community Based Care / Social Work or call Care Coordination for VA Community Care Services: (858) 623-1879.
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"
WHAT VETERANS AND FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW.
Is there a cost for VA home care in San Diego?
When services are authorized through the VA Community Care Network, they are paid directly by the VA — not by the Veteran.
In most cases, eligible Veterans pay nothing out of pocket for authorized Homemaker, Home Health Aide, or Respite Care services.
Coverage depends on:
- Enrollment in VA health care
- Clinical eligibility determined by a VA provider
- VA authorization approval
- Service-connected disability status and VA priority group
Note: The VA does not assess copayments for the first 21 days of geriatric and extended care services in a 12-month period. After 21 days, some Veterans may have a small daily copay depending on their priority group and service-connected status. Your VA care team can clarify your specific situation.
Community providers cannot bill or collect copayments directly from Veterans. Any applicable copayments are handled between the Veteran and the VA.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or cost, our team can help guide you through the next step.
A Veteran may qualify if they:
- Are enrolled in VA health care
- Have an Honorable or General discharge
- Need help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, transfers, toileting, meals)
- Have safety, mobility, or cognitive concerns
- Have been evaluated by their VA Primary Care Provider
- Have been recently discharged from a hospital or nursing facility, or have a discharge plan that depends on receiving home care
ELIGIBILITY AT A GLANCE.
Who qualifies for VA home care services?
Eligibility is determined by the VA based on documented medical necessity. The number of hours authorized is based on the Veteran’s level of need — not financial standing. Veterans are typically authorized between 6 and 28 hours per week, though there is no fixed maximum.
Not yet enrolled in VA health care?
You can apply online using VA Form 10-10EZ. Once enrolled, request an evaluation for in-home services from your VA Primary Care Provider.
You can also find your nearest VA location to connect with a social worker or enrollment coordinator.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Proven. Vetted. Trusted.
All Heart Home Care is recognized across San Diego County for excellence in senior care and caregiver quality. We are:
-
A+ BBB Accredited Business (since 2014)
-
A Place for Mom “Best of Senior Living” (multiple years, top national ranking)
-
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
-
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:
- Carlsbad
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Pacific Beach
- Point Loma
- Poway
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- Scripps Ranch
- Solana
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.
- 1. You call. We listen.
- 2. Get VA Authorization
- 3. We match the right caregiver.
- 4. Care begins — calmly, respectfully, on your terms.
If you or your loved one is a Veteran enrolled in VA health care and needs in-home support, contact our team to discuss next steps in the authorization process.
Whether you are a Veteran, a family member, or a VA professional coordinating a referral — we are here to help.
Call All Heart Home Care: (619) 736-4677
Approved VA Community Care Network Provider — Serving San Diego County