And they went beyond during the devastations from Hurricane Helene and Historic Southern Snowstorms
— By Doug Markham, CEO, Avenues Home Care™ —
I love a good story—especially the ones that showcase how the great teams at Avenues Home Care agencies go above and beyond for our clients. These stories inspire me daily, reflecting the heart of our people and the caliber of our incredible staff.
Some of the most memorable stories involve the care and support we provide for veterans.
In speaking with Phillip Billingsley, the COO of Clear Path Home Care, the latest agency to join our team, and Hannah Scott, our Director of Operations in Tennessee, I was amazed at the many ways—big and small—our entire team steps up for veterans.
Phillip shared a story of a veteran who had been bathing in frigid water for months because he couldn’t afford a new water heater. When we discovered the situation, our team stepped in to help. Using their local connections and resources, they provided him with a new one. To say he was thankful is an understatement; we’ve received seven thank-you letters so far.
Speaking of the cold, yet another example of our dedication to clients is the actions of the Clear Path team during the recent record-breaking winter storm in Texas. Using our triage list, we identified veterans living alone and clients who couldn’t go without care—those unable to get out of bed to attend to their basic needs. Several of our caregivers braved the icy roads, ensuring clients had food, hygiene assistance, and companionship. Some even had their spouses drive them in 4x4s, and many made multiple daily visits.
Hannah’s team showed the same level of dedication during Hurricane Helene, which devastated many counties in East Tennessee and throughout the Southeast. Despite facing their own hardships from the torrential rain and flooding, the team often put the needs of their clients first, ensuring they always had the care needed.
“We shoveled mud, carried away debris, and were often in knee-deep water trying to save as many precious and necessary items as possible,” recalls Hannah. The TN team also organized, collected, and distributed donations like water, food, and clothing to both clients and caregivers as virtually everyone in the community was impacted in some way.
Those stories highlight that our goal is to be more than a provider of home care services. We want to be a local resource that connects people to the help they need, whatever it may be. You can’t get that kind of personal support from a corporation—it only comes from local agencies that know and are a part of the communities they serve.
The Value of Home Health Care for Veterans
These events also graphically illustrate the value quality home care brings to those who have served our country. With over 8.5 million veterans aged 65 and older in the U.S. —and the number increasing daily—addressing their unique challenges is critical.
While many veterans fare better economically than their peers, they still experience higher rates of chronic physical and mental health issues. Social isolation is another struggle, leading to loneliness, anxiety, and even depression.
It’s clear to me that home care provides more than just daily assistance, it offers human connection. A caregiver is someone to talk to, someone who listens and empathizes. For veterans, particularly those with PTSD or other mental health conditions, receiving this kind of care in a familiar environment can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health.
Personalized home care also ensures services are tailored to each veteran’s unique needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Our agencies offer a range of services for veterans, including:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs like bathing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, etc.)
- Home helper services (meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation)
- Medication assistance (caregiver will check and assist with daily reminders)
- Companion care (personalized support when and where needed)
- Specialty care (creating tailored care plans for those with chronic conditions)
“In many cases, our services have helped ensure veterans obtain a clean home for the first time in years, have homemade meals, consistent hygiene care, personal care, attend doctors’ appointments, or simply be present and offer companionship,” says Phillip. “The joy our caregivers bring to the lives of our clients is worth the fight through every obstacle.”
Beyond providing care, we create personalized care plans with specific goals to enhance our veterans’ well-being, supporting their independence while providing essential assistance. Our services help veterans stay at home longer, lighten the load on family caregivers, and minimize the need for institutional care. This approach ensures veterans achieve and maintain the lifestyle they desire, where and for as long as they want.
Know Your Benefits
Another crucial part of our mission is educating veterans and their families about available benefits and helping them navigate the system. There are several key programs all veterans should be aware of, including:
- Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program provides trained aides to help veterans with daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, allowing them to remain in their homes safely and comfortably.
- Aid and Attendance Program provides financial assistance to veterans who need help paying for senior care, ensuring they receive the care they need without financial strain.
Avenues Home Care regularly hosts events to educate veterans and their families on how to access these programs. We’re committed to helping families navigate the often complex process of applying for benefits and optimizing available resources.
Hannah sums up the importance of veteran home care perfectly:
“Our veterans have made immense sacrifices. One way to show gratitude is to ensure they receive the best care possible. Home care services provide support for daily living, dignity, comfort, and a sense of belonging. It allows veterans to maintain their independence while receiving the specialized care they deserve—whether in their home, a senior living community, or another setting of their choice.”
If you’d like more information about our veteran services, contact us at 972-961-8825 or info@avenueshomecare.com or visit the Veterans’ section of our website.
Doug Markham, CEO, Avenues Home Care™