Staying Home, Staying Healthy: The Veteran Home-Based Primary Care Solution
By April Eilers, Public Affairs Officer
Like many senior citizens, Oran Parrish has worked diligently to remain in his own home for as long as possible. Unlike others, Parrish is a 101-year-old WWII Navy Veteran.
Thanks to the Home-Based Primary Care program at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) and two dedicated employees, Dr. Kathy Krantz, DNP, APRN, and Tammie James, RN, who have cared for Parrish for almost seven years, Parrish can receive care at home. These dedicated employees drive to his home every six weeks and tend to him, so he may continue living comfortably at home. When visiting Parrish’s home, you will find his most valuable possessions; his family pictures and his sewing machine, which he has used throughout his life.
During these visits, Krantz and James monitor Parrish's health status, refill necessary prescriptions, and address any health care concerns he may have, all within the comfort of his home, surrounded by those family photos.
Home-Based Primary Care provides substantial benefits to Veterans and healthcare providers alike. Parrish expressed his appreciation, “I love it when they visit me. I love to have visitors. I wish they would come every week.” Krantz and James also benefit from seeing Veterans like Parrish in their home environment, allowing them to spend quality time with vulnerable patients.
One notable example of the program's benefits was celebrating Parrish’s 101st birthday. Dr. Krantz and James surprised him with a birthday party complete with a card, balloons, and cake. The celebration smoothly transitioned into a discussion about healthcare goals for the upcoming year.
By visiting patients in their home settings, VHSO healthcare providers can gather valuable insights into their social environment, daily routines, and overall well-being. This information enables them to offer targeted assistance, including physical therapy, social work services, mental health services, and primary care needs.
Parrish is proactive in making his goals a reality. He continues to attend church and aims to walk a mile every day. “I want to do everything I can to stay active,” said Parrish.
During their last visit, Parrish shared his goals and wishes for the upcoming year. Not surprisingly, his primary goal was to stay as healthy as possible so he can continue living at home. Another significant goal was to become the oldest living member among his siblings, one of whom also lived past 100. On December 5th of 2025, he achieved that milestone.
VHSO and its skilled providers are proud to offer Home-Based Primary Care and many other services to our Veteran heroes like Parrish.
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