Geriatrics and Extended Care

Many veterans have unique medical conditions such as terminal illnesses, chronic conditions or other severe ailments related to old-age, injury or disease. For veterans who need geriatric or extended care services, the Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care Services (GEC) provides tailored medical solutions to severely injured and chronically ill veterans.

Veteran-Centered Decision Making

Veterans can use the VA provided Shared Decision Making Worksheet to identify the medical issues they are concerned about and to make choices about their extended care medical assistance. The worksheet allows veterans to select:

• The medical condition that needs to be addressed
• Who will be involved in the decision making process
• Whether the veteran prefers in-home assistance, a residential setting or a nursing home

The worksheet is provided so that veterans can actively be involved in the kind of care they receive and how they receive it. This collaborative decision making model is used to ensure that the wishes of veterans are considered by medical providers at every stage of the process.

Veterans who have chronic illnesses or who may be disabled can choose from an array of services to meet their health care needs. Veterans can select potential services individually or in combination in order to ensure full coverage. Potential home and community services include:

• Adult day health care: Veterans can attend day programs that allow them to interact with other veterans and engage in recreation.
• Home based primary care: Veterans who wish to remain in their homes can have access to full-fledged VA physicians and an extensive health care team that provides direct medical services.
• Respite care: Family members who are caregivers to a veteran may receive respite care that gives caregivers a break while ensuring that the veteran is never left alone.

In addition to the services listed above, the VA provides many other options for ill veterans through GEC. Through a combination of financial assistance from Veterans Affairs, Medicare, Medicaid and insurance, most veterans are able to have their extended care needs met. Discuss your situation with your primary doctor to take advantage of GEC programs for disabled and ill veterans.

Learn more about the Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care at the VA’s website.