“Better late than never”
Robert Monroe was a young, energetic pharmacy technician in the Army in 1946. Monroe was stationed in South Korea when he began his pharmaceutical profession, so planning for his future medical aspirations were delayed.
After being discharged from the military in 1949 he went on to become a successful pharmacist retiring at the age of 63. Monroe never sought assistance from VA after retirement because he believed the military had done its part by sending him to pharmacy school and he had done his part by serving his nation.
At 95, Monroe’s medical needs are now his family’s priority. His wife of 70 years and his two sons are now full-time caregivers and require assistance caring for Monroe. Reaching out to VA was their ray of hope.
“Two years ago, we noticed issues with his age and the challenges of his medical and physical needs were increasing,” said Bob Monroe, Robert Monroe’s son. “My wife suggested to apply to the VA for my father. It’s just been unbelievable since we came to the Chattanooga VA Clinic.”
VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) provides health care services to qualified Veterans in the comfort of their own homes. The program is designed for Veterans like Robert Monroe who require team-based in-home support for long-term diseases and illnesses that impair their health and daily activities.
Homebound Veterans who are unable to attend clinic visits due to the severity of their illness can benefit tremendously from the program. HBPC also serves those Veterans who are solitary, or have caregivers experiencing excessive burden, alleviating the worries of the family and caregivers. HBPC can be utilized in conjunction with other home and community based services.
“This program is invaluable to meet the Veterans where they are and support the caregiver,” said Donna Haynes, HBPC dietitian. “Our hope is that the Veteran can age at home with the highest degree of care, and we are providing that care to Mr. Monroe.”
The HBPC program’s specialized care and support was exactly what the Monroe family needed.
“This program has just been a Godsend. We have a 90-year-old wife with health concerns caring for a 95-year-old [husband], so we appreciate whatever assistance we can receive, and the VA has been fantastic,” said Bob.
Robert only registered with VA and started receiving benefits two years ago. When asked if there was anything he could have done differently to aid in his father’s health care, Bob stated “We should have registered sooner with the VA, but better late than never, and it’s been a great ride so far.”
To find out more about the Home Base Primary Care program and qualifications, Veterans can reach out to their primary care team at their local VA.