Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Puts Atlanta VA Veterans at the Center of Recovery
By Gregory Kendall, Public Affairs Specialist
The Atlanta VA Health Care System is transforming how Veterans recover from heart disease through its innovative Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation (HBCR) program, bringing high-quality, evidence-based care directly into Veterans’ homes.
HBCR is designed for Veterans who may face barriers to traditional, center-based cardiac rehab, such as transportation challenges, work schedules, or mobility limitations. Through a personalized care plan, Veterans receive remote monitoring, one-on-one coaching, and education that supports safer exercise, healthier lifestyles, and long-term heart health, all without needing to travel to a medical facility multiple times each week.
“Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation allows us to meet Veterans where they are, literally and figuratively,” said Amit Shah, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Atlanta VAHCS. “By combining technology, clinical oversight, and individualized support, we’re seeing Veterans engage more consistently in their recovery and build habits that significantly reduce their risk of future cardiac events.”
Veterans enrolled in the program work closely with a multidisciplinary team, which includes, but is not limited to, cardiologists, nurses, and registered kinesiotherapists. A key part of that team at Atlanta VAHCS is registered kinesiotherapist Shaquana Jones, who helps Veterans safely rebuild strength and confidence after a cardiac event."
“Our goal is to empower Veterans,” Jones said. “We tailor exercise and education to fit their daily lives, while closely monitoring progress and symptoms. Many Veterans feel more comfortable exercising at home, which leads to better adherence and meaningful improvements in both physical and mental health.”
For Navy Veteran Stephen Novell, 65, the HBCR program has been life changing. After experiencing heart-related health challenges, he found the flexibility and support of the home-based approach made all the difference.
“This program gave me my confidence back,” Novell said. “I didn’t have to worry about getting to appointments several times a week. The team checked in on me, guided me through the exercises, and made sure I stayed on track. I feel stronger, healthier, and more in control of my recovery.”
By removing barriers to care and placing Veterans at the center of their own recovery journey, Atlanta VAHCS’s Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation program is redefining cardiac care, helping Veterans heal, thrive, and reclaim their quality of life after heart disease.