Honoring Those Who Served: Tailored Care for Veterans
Veterans have performed an incredible act of service for our country, and they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. If you have a veteran loved one, be sure to find them the proper care and support they need. At BrightStar Care, we strive to tailor home care to veterans' unique needs and provide customized solutions along the way. Our team understands the challenges faced by veterans and their families, and we're committed to honoring their contributions through outstanding care. Learn more about what to expect from home care and how our agencies have made a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.Dealing With Isolation and Loneliness
Feelings of isolation and loneliness are common issues faced by older veterans. They may have an even harder time maintaining community involvement and social connections. These feelings are more prevalent in veterans due to a variety of factors, but fortunately, there are numerous resources available to combat isolation. Bringing on in-home health experts not only provides medical support but also offers companionship to those who need it most. Compassionate caregivers offer personalized attention, build meaningful relationships, and lessen the burden of veteran loneliness.How Respite Care Works for Veterans
Many veterans have the benefit of a family caregiver who provides daily support and companionship. However, family caregivers can get burnt out if they fail to take time for themselves. If you're feeling exhausted after caring for a loved one, be sure to look into respite care. This form of care allows caregivers to take a break from their responsibilities without leaving their loved ones without assistance. While it may be difficult to step away from your duties, remember that you'll be better equipped to care for your loved one if you are mentally and physically healthy. Respite care for veterans works in conjunction with family caregivers to offer the highest standard of care possible.Veteran Stories
We hear inspiring veteran stories every day, from videos of soldiers coming home to tales of heroism in bleak circumstances. At BrightStar Care, we've collected several veteran stories over the years that show the importance of home care. These stories reveal that veteran caregiver programs go far beyond simple medication reminders and mobility assistance—instead offering companionship, respect, and a solution to veteran isolation. Here are some of our favorite examples of how home care can make a difference:“I enjoy working with veterans because they have a wonderful view of the world and of life itself,” says caregiver Montana F. “You get to meet amazing people and enjoy each other’s company, while helping them with their daily needs.”
Montana is just one of the caregivers at independently owned and operated BrightStar Care agencies across the country who are passionate about supporting their clients who have served our country. With over 4000 veterans tended to by our compassionate and experienced caregivers, we’ve found that our caregivers gain far more than they give. We’re proud to share a few of these powerful relationships.
Christine’s Story
Montana F. has been caring for veteran Christine S. for more than a year, handling those daily activities that Christine can no longer do herself or that cause extreme exhaustion. Since Christine was no longer eating well-balanced meals due to persistent fatigue, one of Montana’s most important tasks includes cooking healthy food and prepping meals for future use.“My diet has improved immensely since Montana started visiting and I’m so grateful for all she does for me,” Christine says. Montana is also there to help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like light housekeeping and ensuring Christine can take a safe and comfortable shower.
Montana’s care does more than just nourish Christine’s body, it also feeds her soul. Christine explains that she loves having someone listen to her, ask about her day and truly care how she’s feeling. “It helps me not feel so alone; having someone who cares enough to take time to sit and chat is amazing!”
Montana loves getting to know her clients and is committed to being kind and patient with each one. That’s the thing about genuine client and caregiver relationships — it’s a two-way street of respect and affection.
Jack’s Story
“My caregiver is a great source of inspiration,” says Jack K., a veteran in Chico, California, who has been a BrightStar Care client since January of 2022. “It’s nice to know that people care; and I’m not as depressed anymore.”
Jack’s praise demonstrates that caregiver Isabelle J. is meeting her goal of making her clients’ days a little brighter. “Some of my clients have a lot of health issues and they can become discouraged, so I want to cheer them up,” Isabelle says. “Caring about people is really important. When people know you care, then they want to keep moving forward.”
Isabelle helps Jack keep his home clean, makes meals and is in the home when he showers to make sure he remains safe. Since having surgery on one of his eyes, a BrightStar Care of Chico team member has checked in with him every day.
Another goal Jack has is to take his medication consistently. Sometimes clients need a gentle reminder about those activities that can keep them healthy and safe — this sometimes includes staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals and avoiding falls.
“Isabelle is great,” Jack says before sharing his future goal of enrolling in real estate classes. This friendship has become one of mutual admiration and inspiration. In Jack’s own words, “She’s a real nice gal.”
Kenneth’s Story
Corporal Kenneth R., served as a United States Marine completing two tours during the Vietnam War. With a choice between being drafted or enlisting, Kenneth chose to enlist.,
Kenneth has been receiving care from Karen M., HHA, CNA, of BrightStar Care of Burnsville / South St. Paul for just over a year. Karen provides companionship and support for activities of daily living (ADLs) for this veteran “who has a personality that others gravitate to.”
Karen shared an example of his engaging personality, “Sometimes when I think he’s fallen asleep and not be listening to what’s being said, he will make a comment or wiggle his eyebrows to let us know he is still in there. I enjoy every moment with Kenneth and hearing his stories.”
She also says that it’s in Kenneth’s nature to look out for everyone around him. He is super grateful after all he’s been through and thankful for a wife that’s always been beside him in sickness and in health.
In addition to meeting Kenneth’s needs, Karen’s service has enabled his wife to meet her own needs. This respite creates time and space for Leota to attend appointments and run errands, as well as satisfy self-care measures like going for a walk or seeing friends. Leota says she can do this because she knows she can trust and depend on the BrightStar Care Burnsville / South St. Paul team.
Karen has heard similar comments from other families she’s worked with. They often say that BrightStar Care agencies hire quality caregivers, offer more care than similar companies and provide peace of mind.
Privileged to Serve Those Who Served Us
We consider it to be the highest honor to care for veterans by supporting their independence and dignity. We come into their homes to assist with meals, mobility, errands and more, but we are the ones who are blessed by the stories they share and the love they have for our country.
Although we have provided nearly 600,000 hours of care to veterans this year, our true focus is on a much smaller number — ONE. Our caregivers and nurses are committed to caring for one client at a time. One hour at a time. One special memory at a time.
Whether it’s the joy we see on a client’s face when we walk in the door or we notice their physical health is improving, these are the moments that matter. Caregiver Karen M. says it best, “Veterans put their lives on the line for our freedom. It’s our turn to serve them, by making their lives better every day.”
Find a BrightStar Care® Location Near You
Looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.