Wilmington VA leading the way for age-friendly care

Home-Based Primary Care is designed for those who are homebound or face challenges with daily activities and offers home evaluation for durable medical equipment, lab work, vaccination, and assistance with managing medication.

The goal of the HBPC team, which is made up of an occupational therapist, primary care provider, dietician, nurse, pharmacist, psychologist, and social worker is to increase access to needed healthcare for Veterans having trouble getting into the clinics for care.

Before being in the HBPC program, U.S. Army Veteran Lawrence Pitts and his sister Anita Pitts have always shared a close bond, growing up just a year apart and living together since 1994. Their lives took a drastic turn in 2015 when Lawrence had a sudden stroke that made him homebound and needing in-home care.

“I had no idea what to do,” said Anita. “He was really in bad shape, but the VA came in and really blessed us. The VA took care of my brother, and we are so thankful. Everything that he’s needed the VA has supplied.”

Anita received training through the HBPC program to assist her brother, turning her from not only a sister but into a skilled home health aide. Over the years, Lawrence has received equipment from the VA such as his own tablet to have telehealth appointments, a stair lift to transport him up to his room on the second floor and a riding scooter. 

“I have learned so much since I’ve been taking care of him through the VA…they taught me everything I need to know,” said Anita. “I wouldn’t want anyone else to take care of my brother.”

Today, Lawrence is working with a physical therapist to regain his ability to use his legs. Anita has hope he will soon be able to get up out of bed by himself.

Veterans in the HBPC program with mobility limitations can take advantage of virtual exercise groups lead by a VA Occupational Therapist. This gives Veterans like U.S. Navy Veteran, Brian Richards, a chance to interact with other Veterans while increasing strength and function.

Mr. Richards originally didn’t realize that he was eligible for these benefits until he applied to the VA in 2023. With the introduction of the PACT Act, Mr. Richards was enrolled into the VA and now receives benefits from the HBPC program and support for his caregiver Alana Alvarez.

“I feel at home when I am at the Wilmington VA, and they make me proud to have served in the military,” said Mr. Richards. “I think everyone who works at the Wilmington VA really cares about the Veteran and it really means a lot to me.”

Other resources available is Respite Care which is a service that pays for a Veteran to go to a nursing home while the family goes out of town for a few days without worrying about leaving the Veteran alone at home. A Veteran can also go to one of the Wilmington VA Medical Centers contract Nursing Homes for up to 30 days, per year.

The faces of Geriatrics and Extended Care 

One of many faces of our geriatrics and extended care team is Dr. Elizabeth Phung, the Associate Chief of Staff for Geriatrics and Extended Care for the Wilmington VA who was born into a multigenerational household with her grandparents, parents, and sister all living under the same roof.

“In Asian culture we have to take care of each other so growing up around older adults really drew me to Geriatrics,” said Dr. Phung. “I think it is very important for this population to receive excellent care.”

When a Veteran is referred to the Home-Based Primary Care program by their primary care provider, they receive a consultation through one of the three HBPC teams in Delaware or southern New Jersey. From there a social worker will conduct a formal in-home visit within 21 days.

Kathryn Sacharok, a social worker who has been at the VA for around nine years, says she enjoyed her internship with Wilmington VA so much she decided to stay. 

“Our social work staff is the beginning connection with HBPC and it requires a large amount of involvement,” said Ms. Sacharok. "We offer our support in navigating the transition process from switching from traditional primary care practice to home-based care. I love to advocate for and expand on the amazing resources available for our older adult population at the Wilmington VA for our Veterans.”

Alternatives to nursing homes

Geriatrics and Extended Care also aid in helping eligible Veterans find alternatives for safe housing to age in-place. The Medical Foster Homes program provides Veterans a safe and long-term care option in a comfortable home environment. MFH private residences provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week supervision and in-home care for a non-institutionalized setting with fewer residents. 

VA leading the way in age-friendly healthcare

The Veterans Administrations Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care has joined the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement – an initiative to deliver safe, reliable, high-quality health care in every setting based on what matters most to Veterans. The Age-Friendly Health System is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), in partnership with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA).

The Wilmington VA Medical Center was recently recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) as a level two age-friendly health system.  IHI recognizes clinical care settings that are working toward reliable practice of evidence-based interventions for all older adults in their care known as the 4Ms (What Matters, Medications, Mentation, Mobility). Wilmington VA was able demonstrate exemplary alignment with the elements of the 4M’s framework. 

Talk to your primary care provider or social worker to see if you qualify for HBPC or learn more by going to https://www.va.gov/wilmington-health-care/programs/geriatrics-and-extended-care/.