Veteran Supported By In-Home Healthcare Post-Rehab And Beyond

SUNRISE, Fla., July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day and recognize the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, Interim HealthCare has posted a personal story of one Navy veteran as a special salute to all its home care patients who are veterans.

Benny, 88, was referred to Interim HealthCare by the Veteran's Administration (VA) after he was discharged from a rehab facility. Tabitha, not only a certified nursing assistant herself but an Army veteran, was assigned to care for Benny and they have forged a strong, caring relationship over the last year.

"I can't imagine having anyone but Tabitha taking care of me," Benny said.

When Benny began falling down after having difficulty with balance and equilibrium, he incurred injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to a broken neck.  At the same time, he was diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Millie, a slight woman and his wife of 68 years, knew that she needed some help if she and Benny were to continue to be able to live independently at home.  Today, Tabitha helps the couple with daily tasks such as cooking and housework and takes care of Benny, which relieves Millie of some of the pressure that comes from caring for aging spouses with early stage dementia.

"Especially at holidays like July 4^th, we as a nation tend to give heightened thought to our veterans," said Kathleen Gilmartin, president and CEO of Interim HealthCare Inc. "I'm extremely proud of our Interim HealthCare franchisees who provide excellent home care services day in and day out to our nation's heroes. From personal assistance to dressing wounds to physical and occupational therapy all the way to hospice care, our franchisees and their employees remain committed and available to help those veterans who have so honorably served our country."

Across its nationwide system of 330 homecare, hospice and medical staffing franchise locations, Interim HealthCare franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, many of which are veterans, increasingly being referred to the healthcare franchise by the Veteran's Administration.   

In addition, Interim HealthCare franchisees participate in a variety of other programs throughout the year to honor military veterans. Recently, Interim HealthCare in Pittsburgh, Pa. coordinated five carloads of donations to be delivered to disabled, low income and homeless veterans referred by the local VA facility, thrilling them with toiletries, books, clothing, craft kits, shoes and blankets. Additionally, the healthcare franchise participated in honoring 26 veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War residing in skilling nursing facilities. The Veterans each received a Congressional Certificate from Congressman Keith Rothfus R-PA 12th District) or Tim Murphy (R-PA 18th District), presented by a Specialist in the United States Army who served two tours in Afghanistan.  Each veteran was also given a thank you and a small token of appreciation from Interim HealthCare and Hospice. 

About Interim HealthCare:
Interim HealthCare_® Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. The company has grown its franchise operations to approximately 500 global locations with more than 250 owner groups having recently acquired UK-based Bluebird Care Franchises Limited. Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

Media Contact:
Becky Peterson
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770-367-0321
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Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140701/123682

SOURCE Interim HealthCare Inc.