Updated: May 16, 2026
Background: Kathy's neighbors (Jerry & Judy Clough) told us about great VA benefits Jerry receives. Jerry was born the same month as Don, and served in the Army in Germany not long after Don.
The Cloughs receive 6 hours/week of free home (housekeeping) care via the VA. They started using the service when Judy broke her leg and they needed to prepare for a move. Their son is a social worker in Fort Collins and helped them get signed up (because he knows all about the services given his work).
[Apparently: "This program is for Veterans who need personal care services and help with activities of daily living. This program is also for Veterans who are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden."]
Process:
Kathy started the process to get Don signed up because Adair likes the idea of help around the house. (Who wouldn't? :)
Here's where we're at as of May 16, 2026:
-- Kathy called Judy Clough and then the VA to ask about the process
VA Health Benefits Eligibility & Enrollment Contact Center 877-222-8387 M-F 8am-8pm ET
-- Simple process:
1. Enroll in VA Healthcare (Dad could probably avoid Medicare Supplemental Insurance too)
2. Assigned to a VA Medical Facility
3. Ask to speak to a VA social worker and express interest in "In-home Healthcare Services" (e.g. house cleaning)
5. Social worker will connect you with a local service agency that provides helpers
6. Cloughs have moved and are keeping the in-home services - they love the help
-- Current Status:
- Kathy created an online VA account with Don's help (codes sent to phone, etc.)
See "Audit" spreadsheet for login credentials
- We are currently "stuck" with the online application process because 2025 Tax Income Info is needed, but hasn't been filed yet.
- Once Don gets his 2025 Tax info back from his CPA, Don, Adair and Jim could call the VA and set a time to go to a VA office and have them help complete the application form or Kathy can complete it next time she's in town. (All the application questions were easy until they started asking about income. Don and Adair's income needs to be separated, at least to some extent. Numbers need to be close to or match IRS info.)
-- There's no need to sign up for services until they want them, but it would be nice to have this step completed now, rather than doing it with more stress swirling around in the future
The Cloughs receive 6 hours/week of free home (housekeeping) care via the VA. They started using the service when Judy broke her leg and they needed to prepare for a move. Their son is a social worker in Fort Collins and helped them get signed up (because he knows all about the services given his work).
[Apparently: "This program is for Veterans who need personal care services and help with activities of daily living. This program is also for Veterans who are isolated, or their caregiver is experiencing burden."]
Process:
Kathy started the process to get Don signed up because Adair likes the idea of help around the house. (Who wouldn't? :)
Here's where we're at as of May 16, 2026:
-- Kathy called Judy Clough and then the VA to ask about the process
VA Health Benefits Eligibility & Enrollment Contact Center 877-222-8387 M-F 8am-8pm ET
-- Simple process:
1. Enroll in VA Healthcare (Dad could probably avoid Medicare Supplemental Insurance too)
2. Assigned to a VA Medical Facility
3. Ask to speak to a VA social worker and express interest in "In-home Healthcare Services" (e.g. house cleaning)
5. Social worker will connect you with a local service agency that provides helpers
6. Cloughs have moved and are keeping the in-home services - they love the help
-- Current Status:
- Kathy created an online VA account with Don's help (codes sent to phone, etc.)
See "Audit" spreadsheet for login credentials
- We are currently "stuck" with the online application process because 2025 Tax Income Info is needed, but hasn't been filed yet.
- Once Don gets his 2025 Tax info back from his CPA, Don, Adair and Jim could call the VA and set a time to go to a VA office and have them help complete the application form or Kathy can complete it next time she's in town. (All the application questions were easy until they started asking about income. Don and Adair's income needs to be separated, at least to some extent. Numbers need to be close to or match IRS info.)
-- There's no need to sign up for services until they want them, but it would be nice to have this step completed now, rather than doing it with more stress swirling around in the future
Info below gathered May 16, 2026
