I’m sure you’d agree that when a veteran and their family sacrifice so much to serve our country, they deserve our thanks and care when they need it. That’s how I feel about BAYADA client Lawrence Watson and his wife Doris, who share a home together in Monroe, North Carolina. Lawrence is a 76-year-old Vietnam Vet. Because of an injury he sustained in Vietnam, he now lives with a lot of pain due to neuropathy in his right leg, nerve damage in his lower back, and a diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). TTS causes Lawrence debilitating foot pain that prevents him from getting around without help.

On an ordinary day, that leaves Mrs. Watson to do the heavy lifting around the house—literally and figuratively. Doris is responsible for all the shopping, chores, cooking and housework, and her husband needs her help to perform daily activities—from getting up and dressed in the morning, to getting back in bed at night. It’s a big job for one person.

That’s why they are grateful for the Veterans Home and Community Based Program-Homemaker and Health Aide program. Since 2008, Mr. Watson has been receiving three hours of professional assistive care services, three days a week.

That’s where BAYADA comes in. A skilled and compassionate BAYADA Home Health Aide from our Charlotte Metro State Programs office visits their home to help Mr. Watson with breakfast, bathing, getting dressed, and taking walks outside.

Doris says she’s so thankful for those chances to get away and take a little time for herself, out of the house. No one can take good care of others for an extended period of time without caring for themselves.

Mr. Watson says he’s glad his wife can take these breaks, and he enjoys the company of his aide Mary and having someone new to talk to. Of course, this is a big part of our work, and so gratifying. Even with your loved ones’ best intentions, being largely homebound with a chronic illness or disability can be an isolating, lonely experience sometimes.

In today’s world, not everyone has a large family support system nearby to help them with their day-to-day, leaving many American adults to wonder if they’ll be able to remain independent in their homes as they age, or if they become sick or injured. Since 1975, BAYADA Home Health Care has been proud to offer assistive care services that help seniors and individuals living with illness or disability to enjoy a good quality of life in the comfort of their own home, without needing to move into a facility. Our commitment to help people with compassion, excellence, and reliability—The BAYADA Way—­is what sets us apart and why we love what we do.

Do you qualify for Veterans Home-and-Community-Based Services?

There are several home-and-community-based services available to veterans through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Homemaker and Home Health Aide services are part of the VHA’s standard medical benefits package, so all enrolled veterans are eligible if they meet the clinical need for the service.

Veterans who receive a pension through the VA may be eligible for another in-home assistive care services program called Aid and Attendance. You can read more about that program and eligibility criteria here.

For more information about receiving home health care services through VA benefits or other government programs, call BAYADA’s Customer Care Center at 888-833-5706.

About the Author

Founded in 1975 by Founder and Chairman Mark Baiada, BAYADA has become a trusted leader in providing a full range of clinical care and support services at home for children and adult of all ages. Since then, BAYADA has remained true to Mark’s commitment to purpose by finding, training, and supporting employing who take pride and find joy in healing and helping.

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