Kingsport agency helps local veterans remain independent

KINGSPORT — A Kingsport home care agency is helping local veterans stay in their homes through a federal program that connects them with community caregivers.Seniors Helping Seniors Tri-Cities, based in Kingsport, is accredited by the VA's Community Care Network, which allows it to serve veterans eligible for the Homemaker and Home Health Services Program."Sometimes the VA sees this as an alternative to nursing home or institutional care," said DaryRon Steffey, owner of the franchise. "It helps veterans stay in their homes."Since becoming accredited in February, the Kingsport franchise has served about 10 veterans across the Tri-Cities, with six currently receiving care — four of them in Kingsport."We meet them where they need to be met," Steffey said. "Some are not needing personal care, some only need help with household tasks, and some just need a companion."Steffey said companionship is often one of the greatest needs among veterans."Sometimes with the veteran community, they are oftentimes in their own space," he said. "That isolation is a big part of the care needs for a veteran."Through the VA program, Seniors Helping Seniors provides services such as housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care and respite support for family caregivers.Steffey said the company employs older adults and pairs them with clients based on compatibility and needs. He said current caregivers range in age from 40 to 80."Our services are kind of like getting a little help from a friend or trusted family member," Steffey said. "That's the type of relationship we try to build with these individuals."Steffey said that many caregivers are drawn to the work because they want to stay active and help others. "Some of our best caregivers are those who have volunteered or would like to volunteer in other ways," he said. "They want to give back and have purpose while earning an income."Steffey said his office also helps connect veterans and surviving spouses with lesser-known VA benefits, such as the Aid and Attendance Program, which provides financial assistance for home care.Seniors Helping Seniors recently partnered with Veterans First, an organization that helps applicants access those benefits."There are even programs for the surviving spouse of a deceased service member," Steffey said. "Those programs are oftentimes the ones that are missed."As Veterans Day approaches, Steffey said he hopes more families will learn about the assistance available to them through the VA."We want the community to know and understand what kind of services are available for veterans," he said. "They are valuable resources, especially when it means they can stay in their homes for longer and remain independent."