“This is where he belongs”: Veteran Directed Care honors Veteran's wishes

Ron and JoAnne raised four children and spent 43 years together in that home until JoAnne passed away in 2022. Now, Ron’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 Ron began needing more help at home, his daughter Sue Sevener didn’t hesitate. She moved in, left her job, and devoted herself full-time to his care. But over time, the demands of caregiving grew—both emotionally and financially.

A social worker from the VA introduced them to Veteran Directed Care, a program that would allow Sue to continue caring for her father at home with support, structure, and compensation.

“It gave us stability,” Sue says. “And being home has made him stronger.”

A life of service

Louis “Ron” Gasper, U.S.C.G Chief, Retired, served in the U.S. 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, Ron served 32 years in the active reserves and another four years on standby. 

Now, 90 years old and facing Parkinson’s disease and other health challenges, Ron 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 says. “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 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.

“It’s about giving Veterans choice,” says Kristin Cannon, the VDC coordinator. “Who they want caring for them. How they want to live.”

This program is a unique partnership between VA and Aging Disability Network Agencies. VA Nebraska-Western Iowa partners with the Center for People with Disabilities and the League of Human Dignity to provide this service.

The quiet rhythms of home life

Through VDC, Ron and Sue were able to make their home safer and more comfortable. They installed grab bars and bought a high-quality reclining chair. Ron’s room has a hospital bed and an extra bed for Sue to stay close by when he is ill. Sue 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 Ron’s dogs, Zeke and Levi, who has been his constant companion for 22 years, are always there to keep him company.  

It’s not always easy

Sue admits that caregiving is hard. There are days when Ron has health setbacks, or they get under each other’s skin. 

“He’s a tough boss. He ‘fires’ me all the time,” Sue and Ron laugh together. “But then he always says you’re rehired.”

Sue’s daughter Amanda, who lives next door with her family, is also a part-time paid caregiver for Ron through VDC. This allows Sue to have support and get some respite. 

Sue 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.”

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 for the best program for the Veteran. 

“It’s been incredible to watch what this program makes possible,” Kristin says. “Families caring for each other, safely, with dignity. It’s about honoring the Veteran’s wishes.”

For Sue and Ron, that referral changed everything.

“It gave us time,” Sue says. “Time together, time in his home, and time with the people who love him. This is where he belongs.”

Learn more about Veteran Directed Care at https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/pages/Veteran-Directed_Care.asp.