RI Veterans: Did you know? (Home-based care, events, resources… ) 27-10-22 – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, contributing writer

VA Home Based Primary Care keeps Veterans living at home

Did you know the VA has a program that provides services at the Veteran’s home, or all veterans registered and using the VA Health Care system? Home Based Primary Care is for veterans with chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Cardiopulmonary Disease, and other illnesses. 

The services are performed at the veteran’s home. Many of the services are provided by private contractors approved and inspected by the VA, more than likely, at no cost to the veteran.

More information on the Home Based Primary Care VA Program from published VA information:

What is VA Home Based Primary Care

VA Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) is a unique home care program that provides comprehensive, interdisciplinary, primary care in the homes of Veterans with complex medical, social, and behavioral conditions for whom routine clinic-based care is not effective.

Who is eligible for HBPC?

Since Home Based Primary Care is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, all enrolled Veterans are eligible IF they meet the clinical need for the service and it is available.

Currently the Italian American War Veterans of the US (ITAM) started the Adopt A Vet program, which provides assistance to the veteran to remain at home with the services the VA provides. The ITAM organization is developing a program to assist those veterans who wish to remain at home, but need someone to connect and coordinate home services required to remain at home with programs like the HBPC program.

One veteran being assisted by ITAM has no family and few friends who live around him to assist. He was forced to go into a nursing home from a rehabilitative facility. Clearly, the facility did this for the facility’s benefit; long-term care daily rate was doubled. However, the move to long-term was not done consulting ITAM who had been designated the veteran’s long term medical advance directive.

ITAM removed the veteran from the facility and brought him to the Providence VA medical for treatment. Within a week, the veteran went from being unable to walk and eat on his own, to roaming the wing’s floor. 

After a month and with the assistance of the VA coordinating services under HBPC the veteran is now home as he continues rehab from a serious fall which required life-saving surgery.

VETTIP – Kudos to the staff at the Providence VA Medical facility for dedication and duty in providing state of the art services and saving the veteran from living the rest of his life in a nursing home. ITAM never gave up on the veteran, nor did the Providence VA Medical facility. 

On the second day the veteran was home, the VA coordinated OT/PT services at the veterans home. Moreover, Providence VA Medical facility continues to provide the services needed for the veteran to remain at home while he continues recovery from surgery, combined with being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Contact information for the HBPC:

Care Coordinator/Home Telehealth, VA Providence Office of Community Care – 401-273-7100 ext. 13015.

More information on the program from VA information pamphlets:

Home Based Primary Care

What is Home Based Primary Care?

The HVPC team provides primary care to Veterans in their homes.  This type of intensive management includes education, treatment plans and overall management of chronic illnesses such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cardiopulmonary Disease and Dementia.

·         Complex disease treatment and medication management by a Nurse Practitioner and Pharmacist

·         Care coordination and management by a Nurse Care Manager (RN)

·         Case Management and mental health support from Social Work (SW)

·         Rehabilitation support from Occupational Therapy (OT)

·         Nutrition education and diet consultation by a Registered Dietitian (RD)

·         Family and Caregiver support

Levels of Care

Short Term: Veterans with short term needs related to a specific medical condition and may benefit from short-term interventions with targeted goals.

Long Term: Veterans with complex, chronic medical conditions in need of regular intensive management.

Palliative Care: Symptom management and supportive care in the home for Veterans with advanced, progressive illnesses.

You may be eligible for HBPC if …

·         You are receiving primary care at the Providence VA, New Bedford or Middletown outpatient clinics.

·         You have complex, chronic medical conditions or new diagnoses and may benefit from ongoing medical management in your home.

·         You and/or your caregiver accept HBPC as your Primary Care service provider.

·         Your home environment is safe for you, your caregiver, and HBPC staff.

How to enroll?

Talk to anyone on your treatment team for a referral to the Home-Based Primary Care Program.

 Home Based Primary Care

Program Goals

·         Reduce hospital admissions

·         Reduce unnecessary ED/ER visits

·         Provide intensive medical management by an interdisciplinary team

·         Help veterans achieve their greatest degree of independence

·         Improve quality of life

Home Telehealth/Care Coordinator is another VA program for veterans who are limited and challenged to travel for medical services from VA published information is:

Contact information – (401) 271-7100, Ext 6159 or 3541.

By calling this number you will receive additional information and have your questions answered.

This is a confidential call that can provide you with information about improving your health and give you tips on a variety of health-related topics or for a specific health problem.

Our Care Coordination/Home Telehealth program includes care coordination, disease management surveys. And education for the following:

·         Congestive Heart Failure

·         Diabetes Mellitus

·         Hypertension

·         Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

·         Behavioral Health

Improve Self-Management by Telephone

Benefits:

You can improve self-management of your chronic disease by answering short disease management questionnaires, reviewing patient education information, and/or sending physiologic data from home for a clinician to review.

Learn in the comfort of your home.  It is very convenient and can save you time and money by reducing travel.

What is Home Telehealth?

Home telehealth is the use of electronic communications and information technology to provide support health care when distance separates patients from their clinicians.  Home telehealth includes the capability to respond to questions and send physiologic parameters (blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and weight, etc.). It can also allow video conferencing between patients and clinicians.

How does it work?

Information that you send from your home is transmitted over telephone lines via a toll-free number.  The data is sent to a telehealth server and is then reviewed by a clinician.  If your data is out-of-range, a clinician will contact you to provide timely intervention and promote well-being.

In conclusion, veterans are afforded modern and state-of-art medical options by a team at the VA Providence Medical facility which includes not only on site care, but home base options.  

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Thanksgiving help for our Veterans

If you can donate please check out the details – and help with food gift cards so veterans at Operation Stand Down Rhode Island can benefit.

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Upcoming Events 

October 29, 2022 – L’Esperance is performing a benefit concert at the Mediator Fellowship at 50 Rounds Avenue in Providence this coming Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Proceeds support Guitars for Vets, providing guitars for RI veterans. More info at: https://rinewstoday.com/mandolins-at-the-mediator-benefit/

November 2, 2022 – World War II Memorial Dedication – Wednesday, 10:00 am, Patriot Place, Foxboro MA, Dean College Stage (in front of Citizen Crust), the Kraft family, the New England Patriots Foundation and Cross Insurance will dedicate a World War II Memorial to celebrate the “greatest generation”. Parking in Lot 33, Handicap parking is available.

Know a World War II veteran who can attend? Contact Andrea Skawinski, (774) 266-5099, [email protected]

November 13, 2022 – Free Veterans Luncheon – Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge #2285, social hour 1pm, luncheon 2pm. Veterans are free/guests $15.00. Keynote speaker Kasim Yarn. Music by 88th Army Band. Point of contact: Elks Lodge (after 4pm) 401-397-3700.

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RESOURCES & ongoing groups

Below are all of the groups the Providence Vet Center is currently offering.  As this list changes, I will provide updates. Please send me any questions that you may have, thank you for your time!

***All Vet Center Groups require that the Veteran be enrolled with the Vet Center prior to attending. To check eligibility or for questions, please contact the Vet Center at (401) 739-0167 or reach out to our Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (VOPS) via email at [email protected]***

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Group (PTSD) – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (Group is only active September through May)

Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and Vietnam Veterans PTSD Group – 2nd and 4th  Wednesday of the month from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Vietnam Veteran PTSD Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Art Expression Group – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation New Dawn (OND) Group – Every Wednesday from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Stress Management – Every Thursday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Low Impact Walking Group – Every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Guitar 4 Veterans – Every Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Monday Mindfulness Group – Every Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Yoga Group – Every Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Moral Injury Group – Every Friday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Modern Warrior Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2:30 – 4:00 pm.

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Discounts for Veterans

Services

No Problem Plumbing and Heating LLC 15% military discount , ask for Ron Gaynor, (401) 568-6666. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility with a VA Card, VA ID Card, or RI State license with veteran identification.

Restaurants

Applebee’s – Military Discount. With more than 2,000 locations, Applebee’s is a family grill restaurant. Applebee’s gives 10% off for active duty and veteran. Last verified 07/31/2022.

Denny’s – Hartford Ave, Johnston offers 10% discount for veterans and active duty. Denny’s is a table service diner-style restaurant chain. Last verified 07/31/2022.

Outback Steakhouse – 10% Discount to active and veterans. Last verified 07/28/2021

99 Restaurant & Pub – The 99 Restaurant & Pub offers a 10% military discount to members of Veterans Advantage. Available at select locations only. Bring valid military ID

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Retailers

Advance Auto Parts – 10% for Active Duty, Veterans, and families. Last verified 07/28/2021

Bass Pro Shops –  Offers a 5% discount to active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard. Sign up and verify your status online or bring your military ID when you shop at your nearest Bass Pro store (source).

BJs Wholesale – Reduced membership fee. BJ’s offers all military personnel over 25% off their Membership. Last verified 07/28/2021

Lowes – Enroll in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program to activate your 10% discount – “Our way of saying Thank You” to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items. Verification of your military status is fast and easy through our partner, ID.me.

ID.me is our trusted technology partner in helping to keep your personal information safe.

GameStop – is offering a 10% in-store military discount on all pre-owned products, collectibles, and select new products. Available to current and former military members who bring any valid proof of service or when they verify through ID.me

Home Depot – Offers a 10% off military discount on regularly priced merchandise for in-store purchases for active duty, retired military, and reservists at participating locations. Customers are required to show a valid government-issued military ID card to redeem this offer.

Kohls – 15% discount offers for active military, veterans, retirees, and their immediate family members a 15% discount on purchases made on Mondays, in store only. In order to receive the military discount, eligible customers must present proper identification along with any tender type.

Jiffy Lube – HONORING VETERANS ALL DAY EVERY DAY! – We didn’t want to wait for Veteran’s Day to express our appreciation and gratitude for your service. That’s why every Team Car Care owned and operated Jiffy Lube® service center is offering our BEST discount of 15% OFF as a “Thank You” to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their service to our country. *Disclaimer*- I.D. required. No coupon is required. Excludes batteries and brakes, alignment, and diagnostic services. Available only at 3 select locations listed below:

Tioque Ave, Coventry RI – Bald Hill Road, Warwick RI – Park Ave, Cranston RI

Michaels – offers a 15% off military discount on the entire in-store purchase including sale items for active duty, retired military, guard, reservists, veterans, and family members. How to get –

1.    Create an Account. Log in or create a Michaels Rewards account.

2.    Get Verified. Provide your military information to get verified instantly.

3.    Go Shopping! To use your discount online and in store, just sign into your account or provide your Michaels Rewards phone number at checkout.

O’Reilly Auto Parts – 10% discount on in store items for Active Duty, Veterans and families. Last verified 3/4/21.

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If you are a retailer and or a veteran aware of a business not listed above, please forward to:[email protected]:  the business’s name, location, and military and veteran discount offered.

If you have an event, meeting, other pertinent veteran information, or email questions or help needed, contact the Italian American War Veteran Service Officer, John A Cianci, [email protected], ITAM Office 1-(401)677-9VET(9838)

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/

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John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.