Independent Living Center

VOICE - Veterans Options for Independence Choice and Empowerment

Overview

VOICE is a Veterans Directed Care (VDC) program that enables eligible Veterans to choose and direct their own care, in their homes. VOICE supports Veterans to have greater access, choice and control over their long term care services.

Veterans are assessed by their VA provider to determine what their physical needs are and based on the assessment the Veteran is given a budget for services. The Veteran and family or representative are then responsible to decide how the budget will be used.

The VDC program has four primary purposes.

Veterans who need assistance and support in daily living to remain at home.
Provide Veterans with the opportunity to direct his or her own care.
Improve quality of life by maximizing the Veteran’s physical, cognitive and psychological functioning.
Provide support and respite for the family and other primary caregivers.

See a great example of the VOICE program at work here in this article Program helps veterans maintain quality of life at home

ILC Contacts

Joyanna Geisler in the Homer ILC office; 907-235-7911

Valerie Rosin or Karla Evarts in the Soldotna ILC office; 907-262-6333

Beverly Cole in the Kodiak ILC office; 907-486-0493

Alaska VA Long Term Care Program contacts

Nicki Addonisio, LCSW Long Term Care Social Worker; 907-257-3728, FAX 907-257-4877

Eligibility-All Veterans must:

Be enrolled in VA healthcare
Have a primary care provider authorized to provide VA healthcare
Meet the VA’s nursing facility level of care
Be interested and able to self-direct their own care

Multitude of Services

Veterans receiving VDC can decide what mix of in-home support services will best meet their needs including;

Personal care services using workers hired by the Veteran/Representative
Housing modifications, bathroom and other safety equipment
Light housework, meal preparation and other chores
Respite for family members

Help and Support

A Staff Person from the ILC will work with the Veteran in identifying care needs and assist in developing a spending plan for needed services.
A financial management service, ARIS Solutions will assist with payroll and other financial services for the Veteran.
A representative (family or friend) can be appointed to assist with making decisions.
Help is always available to assist Veterans and their families with the program.