As we discussed in a prior post (http://www.disabilityliving.ca/disability-canada-canadas-senior-veterans-receive-support/), war veterans comprise a large percentage of Canada’s senior disability community. Many of these veterans have sustained severe disabilities and daily deal with the after-effects of war. Thankfully, Veterans Affairs Canada exists to make life a little easier for Canada’s heros.
Did you know that one of the goals of Veterans Affairs Canada is to help senior veterans stay independent as long as possible? Veterans Affairs Canada pursues this goal by providing the Veterans Independence Program (VIP).
What is the Veterans independence program?
A “national home care program,” the Veterans Independence Program was created in 1981 by Veterans Affairs Canada. The VIP was created to “help clients remain healthy and independent in their own homes or communities.”
How does the Veterans Independence Program help individuals stay independent?
The Veterans Independence Program meets veterans’ needs in order to ensure that they stay independent for as long as possible. Additionally, the VIP was designed to “compliment” provincial, federal, and municipal programs.
Who might be eligible for the Veterans independence program?
To be eligible for the Veterans Independence Program, an individual must…
– Be a Canadian resident
– Be Disability Tax Credit approved OR be a recipient of the Guaranteed Income Supplement
– “Have a health need and require VIP housekeeping and/or grounds maintenance services to remain independent in his or her home” AND not be able to receive health care services under a “private insurance policy” or a “provincial healthcare system”
There are other requirements someone must meet to enroll in the Veterans Independence Program (Expansion); see http://veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/vip/expansion/who_apply to learn more.
Do you have questions about the Veterans Independence Program?
If so, call 1-866-522-2122 or visit http://veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/vip/vipqa.
If you are a Canadian war veteran who is struggling to stay independent, perhaps the Veterans Independence Program would be helpful to you. See the links below to learn more about the VIP.
Sources:
http://veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/vip
http://veterans.gc.ca/eng/services/vip/expansion/who_apply
*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Are you a senior war veteran with a disability? If so, has it been difficult to remain independent?
Are you enrolled in the Veterans Independence Program? How has it been beneficial to you?
