Veterans (VA) Questions
Do you work with VA benefits?
Yes, PHS is a VA-approved provider in Nevada and assists eligible Veterans and spouses in applying for in-home care benefits.
How do I know if I qualify for VA-funded home care?
Eligibility depends on your service history, medical needs, and financial situation. We connect clients with a VA care coordinator to help determine benefits.
Can VA and Medicaid be combined for care coverage?
Sometimes. We review benefits and help coordinate both programs if applicable.
What VA programs cover home care services?
The VA offers several programs: Aid and Attendance (A&A) Benefit, Homemaker and Home Health Aide (H/HHA) Program, Veteran Directed Care (VDC), and Respite Care Services.
What types of care can be covered under VA programs?
Depending on the program, coverage may include bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility; light housekeeping and meal preparation; companionship and supervision; and respite care for family caregivers.
How do I apply for VA home care benefits?
Apply through your local VA Medical Center's social work department or by contacting the VA Health Benefits office. PHS can assist by connecting you with the right VA representative.
Can my spouse or family caregiver get paid through the VA?
In some cases, yes, under the Veteran Directed Care program, eligible Veterans can choose their own caregivers, including family members.
What's the difference between Aid & Attendance and Homemaker programs?
Aid & Attendance (A&A) is a monthly financial benefit added to your VA pension to help cover the cost of in-home care. Homemaker & Home Health Aide (H/HHA) is a direct VA-funded service where approved agencies like PHS provide caregivers.
Do I need a doctor's order to receive VA-funded care?
Yes, most VA programs require a clinical evaluation or physician referral confirming the need for personal care assistance.
How long does VA approval take?
It varies. Some approvals are completed in 1 to 2 weeks, while others (like Aid & Attendance) may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Can I use both VA benefits and private pay?
Yes. Many clients combine VA hours with private pay to extend weekly coverage.
Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?
It depends. Some programs provide 100% coverage, while others may have hourly limits you can supplement privately.
Does PHS directly bill the VA?
Yes. PHS is a VA-approved provider in Nevada and can bill the VA directly, saving you time and paperwork.
Medicaid Home Care
Does Medicaid cover non-skilled home care in Nevada?
Yes. Nevada Medicaid offers Personal Care Services (PCS) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers covering non-medical assistance.
What kind of help can Medicaid pay for?
Covered services typically include bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene; assistance with eating and mobility; light housekeeping and laundry; meal preparation and shopping; medication reminders; and companionship and supervision.
Who qualifies for Medicaid home care in Nevada?
You may qualify if you are a Nevada resident, meet income and asset requirements, require help with daily activities, and have a verified medical or functional need.
How do I apply for Medicaid home care?
Apply online through the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DWSS) website or visit a local welfare office. PHS can assist with documentation.
What is the PCS (Personal Care Services) program?
PCS allows eligible individuals to receive in-home help from approved agencies like PHS, providing non-medical, personal assistance to help clients remain safely at home.
Can I choose my caregiver under Medicaid?
Yes, under certain programs like Self-Directed Care, you may select a family member or friend as your caregiver.
Is there a waiting list for Medicaid home care services?
Some HCBS waivers may have waiting lists, but Personal Care Services (PCS) are usually available more quickly.
Can I have both Medicaid and VA benefits?
Yes, many Veterans qualify for both. Care coordinators help clients maximize both programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How many hours of care can Medicaid provide each week?
The approved hours depend on assessment results and level of need. It typically ranges from 10 to 40+ hours per week.
Can I pay privately for extra hours?
Yes. If Medicaid approves certain hours but additional support is needed, PHS can blend private pay with your Medicaid schedule.
Scheduling, Staffing, and Safety
How do I schedule or adjust my care hours?
Contact our office during business hours or text the scheduling line for changes. We confirm updates and ensure the new schedule is reflected in our system.
What happens if I need to change or cancel a visit?
Let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust staffing and avoid interruptions for other clients.
What happens if a caregiver calls out or can't make it?
Our scheduling team immediately begins reaching out to qualified backup caregivers to fill shifts. While we try to ensure care continues, there may be rare occasions when a replacement isn't available.
Do you guarantee the same caregiver every visit?
We strive for consistency, but if your regular caregiver is unavailable, we'll send another trained PHS professional with access to your care plan.
Will I be informed if a caregiver is running late or replaced?
Yes. Our team will always reach out if there are any changes or delays.
Do you provide coverage on weekends or holidays?
Yes. Caregivers are available 7 days a week, including holidays, depending on your care plan and availability.
How far in advance should I request schedule changes?
We appreciate at least 24 to 48 hours' notice for adding or canceling shifts.
What if I'm not satisfied with a caregiver's performance?
Let us know and we'll work quickly to find someone who better matches your needs and preferences.
Do you have after-hours support?
Yes, we maintain a 24/7 on-call line for urgent scheduling issues, call-outs, or client needs outside regular business hours.
Who provides my care?
Our care teams include licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, and trained home care aides. All are background checked and thoroughly trained.
Is there a minimum number of hours for home care services?
For all home care services, the minimum is a two-hour daily minimum. There is no weekly or monthly minimum. All skilled services are dictated by insurance provider requirements.
Getting Started
How do I begin services with your agency?
Contact us to schedule a free in-home assessment. We review your needs, discuss goals, and create a customized care plan.
What should I expect during the in-home assessment?
A care coordinator meets with you and your family to discuss your daily routines, preferences, and any special instructions to ensure proper caregiver matching.
Can I cancel services at any time?
Yes. We ask for notice to adjust the schedule properly. There are no penalties for canceling services.
How do I know if my loved one needs in-home care?
Safety is the main concern. Look for changes in physical ability, hygiene, memory, or emotional well-being. In-home care may help when daily activities become difficult or unsafe.
Do you work with hospital discharge planners or social workers?
Yes. We often coordinate care transitions with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and social workers.
We're here to help you.
Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and discover why families across Southern Nevada trust PHS.
