Aging veterans often want to remain in their own homes, but health problems, limited mobility and loneliness can make that difficult. Some also face physical and emotional challenges related to their military service. With Veterans Day approaching, it's a good time to look at how in-home care can help veterans get the support they need while maintaining their independence.
Comfort Keepers®, an in-home senior care franchise that offers opportunities for entrepreneurs with no prior health care experience, helps seniors maintain their independence through personalized services, including companionship, personal care, transportation and assistance with daily activities. For franchise owners Jayson Blunck and Jordan Derby, both military veterans, caring for former service members carries special meaning and offers an additional revenue stream.
"They served us. Now it's our turn to serve them," said Blunck, who owns Comfort Keepers in Forsyth, Illinois.
Although veterans share many challenges with other aging adults, their military experiences can create additional needs. Some continue to deal with the emotional effects of combat or other difficult experiences, while others struggle with loneliness as family members and friends move away or pass on.
"A lot of our veteran clients just want some companionship. They just want someone to talk to," Blunck said. “We have a veteran client who just wants to sit and watch a football game, and that's all they want to do. They just want to have someone else in the room with them.”
Derby, a Comfort Keepers franchise owner in Annapolis, Maryland, served four years in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologic technician. His military experience helps him connect with veteran clients.
“Being able to relate to each other, have conversations and share stories helped build that connection,” Derby said. “Trust is a big thing, along with camaraderie and brotherhood.”
Home care can help veterans keep doing the activities they enjoy while getting help with tasks that have become difficult. Services may include help around the house, transportation to appointments, companionship and opportunities to participate in community activities.
Blunck recalled one veteran whose care began at eight hours per week. As his needs became clearer and additional services were approved, his care increased to 45 hours weekly. The veteran's adult children lived in other states and wanted their father to have more opportunities to get out of the house. With additional support from Comfort Keepers, he began going to lunch and participating in activities rather than spending most of his time alone.
"It's changed his outlook on things, and I think it's changed our outlook on things as well," Blunck said. “Our whole business is about taking care of seniors in their home. But for us, it just hits a little bit differently sometimes taking care of veterans because we feel so loyal to them and so grateful for everything they've done for this nation.”
Derby has also seen growing demand for transportation, companionship and assistance with technology. In addition to providing home care, he teaches a digital safety course that helps seniors recognize online scams and protect their personal information. These services let veterans stay involved in their communities without giving up their independence.
One of the biggest challenges aging veterans face is understanding what assistance the Department of Veterans Affairs may offer. Blunck said many veterans and their families are unaware that veterans may qualify for home care services or financial assistance. Depending on their circumstances and eligibility, veterans may have access to programs such as Aid and Attendance, VA-supported homemaker and home health aide services or respite care.
"We have many veterans say, 'Well, I only served two years in Vietnam. I didn't know I was entitled to any benefits,'" Blunck said. “We have to educate families and educate veterans themselves and say there are resources out there for you.”
Not every veteran qualifies for the same benefits. Blunck recommends contacting the VA or a local veterans organization to find out what help is available.
His Comfort Keepers location has completed the process to become an approved VA provider, allowing his team to serve veterans through applicable VA programs. He said the office also helps clients navigate paperwork, phone calls and requests for additional services.
Derby, who receives care through the VA himself, understands how complicated the process can be.
"Having the right person who can find an advocate to help them through that process is really the key resource and support that they need," Derby said.
As veterans of Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan grow older, Blunck and Derby expect demand for personalized home care and companionship to continue. Both see a growing need for services that address social isolation and help veterans remain engaged in their communities. Derby also believes technology will become increasingly important, particularly for older adults who need help navigating digital tools and protecting themselves online.
The brand’s Comfort360TM technology solutions include tools designed to support wellness, detect falls and help families monitor loved ones remotely. These tools can complement Comfort Keepers' caregiving services and provide added reassurance, especially when family members live far away.
“Human interaction will always be important, but AI can also help when someone isn't in the home, giving families peace of mind,” Blunck said.
For both franchise owners, serving veterans is also a personal commitment. Derby's office team includes people with military family connections, while Blunck takes pride in helping fellow veterans access the care they need.
Blunck and Derby recommend that veterans and their families look into home care services before they need them. Help with everyday tasks and companionship can make it easier for veterans to stay at home and maintain their independence.
"I just want to make sure that we're ready to receive them with open arms," Blunck said.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers.
Comfort Keepers
SPONSORED
Two Comfort Keepers franchise owners and military veterans explain how companionship, personalized care and access to VA benefits can help aging veterans remain independent at home.
Aging veterans often want to remain in their own homes, but health problems, limited mobility and loneliness can make that difficult. Some also face physical and emotional challenges related to their military service. With Veterans Day approaching, it's a good time to look at how in-home care can help veterans get the support they need while maintaining their independence.
Comfort Keepers®, an in-home senior care franchise that offers opportunities for entrepreneurs with no prior health care experience, helps seniors maintain their independence through personalized services, including companionship, personal care, transportation and assistance with daily activities. For franchise owners Jayson Blunck and Jordan Derby, both military veterans, caring for former service members carries special meaning and offers an additional revenue stream.
"They served us. Now it's our turn to serve them," said Blunck, who owns Comfort Keepers in Forsyth, Illinois.
Although veterans share many challenges with other aging adults, their military experiences can create additional needs. Some continue to deal with the emotional effects of combat or other difficult experiences, while others struggle with loneliness as family members and friends move away or pass on.
"A lot of our veteran clients just want some companionship. They just want someone to talk to," Blunck said. “We have a veteran client who just wants to sit and watch a football game, and that's all they want to do. They just want to have someone else in the room with them.”
Derby, a Comfort Keepers franchise owner in Annapolis, Maryland, served four years in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologic technician. His military experience helps him connect with veteran clients.
“Being able to relate to each other, have conversations and share stories helped build that connection,” Derby said. “Trust is a big thing, along with camaraderie and brotherhood.”
Home care can help veterans keep doing the activities they enjoy while getting help with tasks that have become difficult. Services may include help around the house, transportation to appointments, companionship and opportunities to participate in community activities.
Blunck recalled one veteran whose care began at eight hours per week. As his needs became clearer and additional services were approved, his care increased to 45 hours weekly. The veteran's adult children lived in other states and wanted their father to have more opportunities to get out of the house. With additional support from Comfort Keepers, he began going to lunch and participating in activities rather than spending most of his time alone.
"It's changed his outlook on things, and I think it's changed our outlook on things as well," Blunck said. “Our whole business is about taking care of seniors in their home. But for us, it just hits a little bit differently sometimes taking care of veterans because we feel so loyal to them and so grateful for everything they've done for this nation.”
Derby has also seen growing demand for transportation, companionship and assistance with technology. In addition to providing home care, he teaches a digital safety course that helps seniors recognize online scams and protect their personal information. These services let veterans stay involved in their communities without giving up their independence.
One of the biggest challenges aging veterans face is understanding what assistance the Department of Veterans Affairs may offer. Blunck said many veterans and their families are unaware that veterans may qualify for home care services or financial assistance. Depending on their circumstances and eligibility, veterans may have access to programs such as Aid and Attendance, VA-supported homemaker and home health aide services or respite care.
"We have many veterans say, 'Well, I only served two years in Vietnam. I didn't know I was entitled to any benefits,'" Blunck said. “We have to educate families and educate veterans themselves and say there are resources out there for you.”
Not every veteran qualifies for the same benefits. Blunck recommends contacting the VA or a local veterans organization to find out what help is available.
His Comfort Keepers location has completed the process to become an approved VA provider, allowing his team to serve veterans through applicable VA programs. He said the office also helps clients navigate paperwork, phone calls and requests for additional services.
Derby, who receives care through the VA himself, understands how complicated the process can be.
"Having the right person who can find an advocate to help them through that process is really the key resource and support that they need," Derby said.
As veterans of Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan grow older, Blunck and Derby expect demand for personalized home care and companionship to continue. Both see a growing need for services that address social isolation and help veterans remain engaged in their communities. Derby also believes technology will become increasingly important, particularly for older adults who need help navigating digital tools and protecting themselves online.
The brand’s Comfort360TM technology solutions include tools designed to support wellness, detect falls and help families monitor loved ones remotely. These tools can complement Comfort Keepers' caregiving services and provide added reassurance, especially when family members live far away.
“Human interaction will always be important, but AI can also help when someone isn't in the home, giving families peace of mind,” Blunck said.
For both franchise owners, serving veterans is also a personal commitment. Derby's office team includes people with military family connections, while Blunck takes pride in helping fellow veterans access the care they need.
Blunck and Derby recommend that veterans and their families look into home care services before they need them. Help with everyday tasks and companionship can make it easier for veterans to stay at home and maintain their independence.
"I just want to make sure that we're ready to receive them with open arms," Blunck said.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/comfort-keepers.
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