When Ron and Joanne Gasper decided to put down roots, they purchased a charming ranch house on a quiet cul-de-sac in Papillion, Nebraska. The Gasper’s raised four children and spent 43 years together in that home until Joanne passed away in 2022. Now, Gasper’s family and a VA program are helping him live out the rest of his life in his house full of precious memories.
Help at home
When Gasper began needing more help at home, his daughter Sue Sevener didn’t hesitate. She left her job, moved in, and devoted herself full-time to his care. But over time, the demands of caregiving grew—both emotionally and financially.
A social worker from VA introduced them to Veteran Directed Care, a program that would allow Sevener to continue caring for her father at home with support, structure and compensation.
“It gave us stability,” Sevener said. “And being home has made him stronger.”
A life of service
Gasper served in the Coast Guard, first as an engineer on the USCGS Citrus and then for two years as a lighthouse keeper at the Rock of Ages lighthouse in Lake Superior. After active duty, Gasper served 32 years in the active reserve and another four years on standby until his retirement.
Now 90-years old and facing Parkinson’s disease and other health challenges, Gasper wants to stay at home, surrounded by family.
“If I had gone into a nursing home, I don’t think I’d still be here,” he said. “Being home is everything.”
Veteran Directed Care
Veteran Directed Care (VDC) is a VA program designed for Veterans who need a high level of care but who want to remain in their homes. It provides a monthly budget and lets Veterans hire their own caregivers—often a spouse, adult child or close friend.
Unlike other VA caregiver programs, VDC does not require a service-connected disability rating and focuses instead on care needs. Veterans work with trained counselors to develop a care plan and manage their services. This program is a unique partnership between VA and Aging Disability Network Agencies.
“It’s about giving Veterans choice,” said Kristin Cannon, VDC coordinator. “Who they want caring for them. How they want to live.”
The quiet rhythms of home life
Through VDC, Gasper and Sevener were able to make their home safer and more comfortable. They installed grab bars and bought a high-quality reclining chair. Gasper’s room has a hospital bed and an extra bed for Sevener to stay close by when he is ill. She is paid as a full-time caregiver, which allows her to stay home without sacrificing financial stability.
Their days are quiet but meaningful: Earl Grey tea every morning, trying out new recipes, creating art, and movie nights with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And Gasper’s dog Zeke is always there to keep him company.
It’s not always easy
Sevener admits that caregiving is hard. There are days when Gasper has health setbacks, or they get under each other’s skin.
“He’s a tough boss. He ‘fires’ me all the time,” Sevener said as they laughed together. “But then he always says you’re rehired.”
Sevener’s daughter Amanda, who lives next door with her family, is also a part-time paid caregiver for Gasper through VDC. This allows Sevener to have support and get some respite.
Sevener knows the importance of what they’re doing together.
“He has purpose. He’s in his home. And I get to be here with him,” she shared.
Honoring Veterans’ wishes
If a Veteran needs nursing home-level care but wants to stay at home, VDC may be the right fit. Veterans interested in Veteran Directed Care should speak with their VA care team. They can help determine eligibility and provide a referral to the best program for the Veteran.
“It’s been incredible to watch what this program makes possible,” Cannon said. “Families caring for each other, safely, with dignity. It’s about honoring the Veteran’s wishes.”
For Sevener and Gasper, that referral changed everything.
“It gave us time,” Sevener added. “Time together, time in his home, and time with the people who love him. This is where he belongs.”
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As at least one other Veteran in this string of comments has said, this article leaves more questions than it answers. The author of the article clearly doesn’t subscribe to the classic Columbia School of Journalism cardinal rules of Who, What, When, How and Why. The key How is missing. To cover their proverbial backside, the VA constrained writer makes this 90-year old Navy veteran – and hundreds of thousands of others of my generation, read the legal convoluted “boiler-plate” rules as to who qualifies.
A VA Social Worker can help with getting connected to Veteran Directed Care, as well as many other resources.
https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/ss20230719-how-va-social-workers-help
The VA Caregiver Support program teams can help guide you in connecting with Veteran Directed Care.
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp
Am 100 percent Disabled Veteran in need of home care and meals
What’s needed to inquire about eligibility for this program? I served in the USCG from 1951 – 1954 (active duty) and another 5 years in the CG Inactive Reserve, at which time I was honorably discharged. No I am 92 years old with a medical diagnosis of wild type cardiac amyloidosis and advanced heart failure. Since 2015 my wife and I moved in with our youngest son in order to help with his 3 kids, ages 10, 8, and 6 when their mother died. Awaiting your reply. Thank you.
The Administration for Community Living (acl.gov) has an excellent summary document on the Veteran Directed Care program at
https://nwd.acl.gov/pdf/VDC_Welcome%20Fact%20Sheet_Final.pdf
(*Note: It was published May 2023. Check whether there have been some changes since.)
The VA also has info on Veteran Directed Care at
https://www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Veteran-Directed_Care.asp
Click on the “What Is It?”, “Am I Eligible?”, “What Services?” and “How Do I Decide?” photos to read information.
I am 71 and a disabled veteran. This sounds like a great program as we age this can be the reality. To be able to stay in your home with your relative or friend taking care of you and them being compensated is awesome. Also I believe that a program for veterans who live in rural areas where VA facilities are non-existent or vets that can’t drive far could use a private doctor. If you are on Medicare the VA could be the supplemental payer. This would also free up care at VA facilities.
im 82 and not real bad health, but there are times when i need help like gitting up or laying down i try to keep going as much as i can an do as muchas i can but it keeps gitting harder to do,if i cant take care of myself will my wife be compsented to help me?
Does the program include in one lives overseas ?
Once again, another article that asks more questions than it answers. What a great program, and yet leaves the veteran hanging as to program qualifications and how to apply. So sad, and such a disservice to those that earned the right to know if they were eligible.
Getting care giver compensination from the va is extremely hard.Computer driven requirements are very narrow and does not allow answers like occationly.My care giver is a trained lpn who took care of nursing home bound vets for twelve years.After four attempts to get recognized by the va she was denied and now she is disgusted.I am 100 percent service connected and with out her I would be in skilled care.
The current so called Caregiver programs are a total shambles as the number of denials clearly illustrates.
As a military spouse and duly appointed Federal Fiduciary for my wife veteran her denial for the current programs … there are two… we’re simply based on…because we say so.
I’m certain there are thousands of similarly situated military dependents who also have applied to the current programs and also been denied without any rational nor recourse.
Perhaps this program will be different…but Perhaps it is simply more virtue signaling.
What is the difference between Veteran Direct Care and PCAFC?
That looks very good for vets who need care. I’am very close to needing that care. Sometimes i feel like i’am already there, in need for care…The problem is i dont have or own a house, due to my physical medical conditions because i lost “Jobs” and a life+they would’t let me re- enlist…i was too screew up. I didn’t realize it until years later!
Excelente gracias por ese apoyo que tanto necesitamos.
I love this but what if you don’t have any family close ?
Sounds like a great program. No one loves you like family. Hope they still have this program when I get to that stage.
How can a caregiver apply for being a part of the program. I have a very experienced friend that has been a caregiver for many years and is in Gates County, North Carolina and I’m sure there a vets that could use the service. Thank you, David Moose, USN Veteran
Does the Direct care person have to live in the Veterans home.
Can Veterans Direct person live in their own home?
The caregiver does not need to live with the Veteran, but they can.
This is the best news for a lot of Veterans. I know a few I’m going to give this information to.
Thank you,
Thank you to the Veterans Administration…this is a great program…helping our Veterans to live their *best quality of life*….
How can veterans stay in their own home when the V.A. keeps reducing the veterans disability pension? Then when they do become homeless, the V.A. will spend even more money putting the veteran in a homeless shelter. Must be the American way.
What a fantastic option.
I am also a USCG Veteran @ 90% disability. I will be 81 in about 3 weeks. Staying in my own house is a great opportunity even over VA old folks homes possibly.