As we head into the long weekend, many of us are looking forward to backyard barbecues, extra time with family, and the unofficial start of summer. But before the weekend fully unfolds, we want to take a meaningful pause.
This Monday is Memorial Day. It is a sacred day dedicated to honoring and mourning the brave military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice and never made it home. While Veterans Day in November is our time to celebrate all living veterans, Memorial Day reminds us that our freedom was bought and paid for by heroes.
At Amada Senior Care, we believe the best way to honor the memory of those we lost is by taking profound, unwavering care of the veterans who are still with us. For our franchise owners across the country, serving veterans isn’t just a job, it is a distinct privilege and a core part of our mission.
Moving Beyond “Thank You for Your Service” to Identifying Resources for Senior Veterans
True gratitude isn’t just spoken; it is lived. Many senior veterans who returned home decades ago now face new battles at home: isolation, physical limitations, financial strain, and the challenge of navigating complex care systems.
Amada franchise owners are uniquely positioned to step into the gap. We don’t just provide home care; we advocate, solve problems, and connect veterans with vital local resources, such as the VA Community Care Network, to ensure they can live safely, with dignity, and with joy.
Across our communities, Amada Senior Care franchise owners and caregivers are constantly turning gratitude into real, life-changing action. Here is what that honor looks like in practice.
Honor in Action: Senior Veteran Care Stories from the Field
Serving as Family to an Isolated Senior Veteran (Amada Lexington and Amada Louisville in Kentucky)
For five years, the team at Amada Lexington and Louisville cared for a local veteran who had no family nearby and no support system to lean on. As he aged, his care needs increased, and he began experiencing severe anxiety. Despite his growing struggles, he was only receiving nine hours of care per week.
Knowing he deserved better, the Amada Senior Care team, led by owner James Bernowski, became the senior veteran’s sole advocates. They fought tirelessly alongside the VA and a dedicated social worker to nearly double his care to 16 hours per week. Before the senior veteran passed away, those extra hours provided him with the crucial socialization and safety he needed. He was incredibly grateful, and the caregivers were relieved to see a true hero finally get the robust support he deserved.
Restoring Dignity to a Homeless Veteran
In another powerful example, the same Amada Lexington and Louisville, KY team accepted a referral through a local VA initiative aimed at housing homeless veterans. When the lead caregiver and owner walked in for the very first visit, their hearts sank. The veteran had virtually nothing—no soap, no food, no clothing, and no basic grooming supplies.
The Amada team didn’t wait for paperwork or red tape. They immediately went to the local store and personally purchased all the essential daily necessities to carry him through the week. In just a matter of hours, those caregivers made a profound impact, proving that sometimes, all a hero needs to get back on their feet is a little bit of human kindness.
Transforming a Home in Texas (Amada CenTex in Central Texas)
In Central Texas, our Amada CenTex team was referred to Mr. Carter, a bedbound veteran living alone with no family in the area. When the Amada caregiver arrived, she discovered Mr. Carter was living in critical conditions. He was facing a severe household pest infestation, had no working washer or dryer, and lacked clean bedding and clothing.
Led by franchise owners Jason Logan and Eric VanGoethem, the Amada CenTex team immediately went to work to completely overhaul Mr. Carter’s living situation. They had the home professionally treated, bought him fresh clothes and sheets, and personally delivered and hooked up a working washer and dryer. Recognizing his mobility challenges, the staff RN at Amada Fort Worth then coordinated directly with the Central Texas VA Community Care Network to successfully secure a Hoyer lift, allowing him to safely transfer to his powerchair and the shower.
Pause, Honor, and Remember—And Take Action to Help a Senior Veteran in Need
As we enjoy the sunshine, the good food, and the company of loved ones this Memorial Day weekend, let’s keep the “why” behind the holiday close to our hearts.
To the families of the fallen, we at Amada Senior Care stand with you in remembrance. And to the veterans still with us, please know that the entire Amada family is dedicated to serving you with the same honor, respect, and devotion that you showed our country. Wishing you a safe, intentional, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.
