Tom’s Story
Tom, an 83-year-old Veteran and an Insurance Executive of more than 50 years, was also a victim of spousal abuse when Veteran Services first came in contact. Despite working full-time in the insurance industry, teaching part-time, and receiving Social Security, Tom was financially destitute and living in his employer’s office. This was due to Tom’s failure to show up in court for the divorce proceedings and an uncontested divorce by default. Tom had to turn over his home and all assets to his wife, leaving him without and home or any finances to support himself.
As Veteran Advocates, we assisted Tom to his doctor’s visit for his initial assessment of his physical and mental health. On that evaluation, multiple scars on his body confirmed his abuse as suspected. It was also noted that he was suffering from early stages of Alzheimer’s/Dementia and appeared to be suffering also from Stockholm Syndrome based on his relationship with his wife.
Our team was able to obtain an Extended Stay hotel and then a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), providing a place for Tom to live. We contacted his children, who had been removed from his life for more than 20 plus years due to a “poor relationship with his wife.” Within weeks of discovering Tom, he developed an infection that ultimately caused his death. Nevertheless, with all the hard work and dedication of our team, Tom was able to be reunited with his children and grandchildren during the last several weeks of his life. He was placed in a skilled care facility where he received care, comfort, and dignity in his final hour.
Stanley’s Story
Stanley B. was our first displaced senior veteran at Senior Veterans Service Foundation (SVSF). Due to his numerous needs for assistance, we were able to formulate our template and amass a team of experts to assist us in providing his care.
Stanley served during the Korean War era as a psychologist for men suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After his time in service, Stanley pursued his Ph.D. in Psychology at Columbia University and later opened his private practice as a Child Psychologist. As time went on and Stanley got older, his personal dysfunction began to surface, which caused him to lose his livelihood and become homeless and destitute at the age of 60. Living in a broken-down old van and estranged from his family due to his PSTD and other traumas, Stanley lived with no heat, hot or cold running water, or refrigeration for his food. Stanley relied on help from various local charities to supply his basic needs.
In 2013 as one local charity was closing its doors, our founder was notified of Stanley’s plight through another veteran’s organization and stepped in. Our founder was also involved with the Homeless Veteran Standdown program in Miami Dade, Florida, that assisted veterans of all ages; Stanley became a recipient of that veteran’s program. Moreover, during that time, it became apparent to our founder that senior vets were not receiving the full benefits due to the form our country of the Standdown program, and it was at that moment that he felt “the Lord placed this vision on my heart.” This vision birthed the Senior Veterans Support Foundation (SVSF), and Stanley became the first of many to benefit from our founder’s vision.
When the founder paid a visit to where Stanley was living, he was in a deplorable state. Living close to the garbage dump in a broken-down old camper van at the age of 84, the challenges of homelessness had taken a toll on his health. He was disoriented, malnourished and suffering from his mental challenges. The lack of basic living necessities meant Stanley went without a shower for many years. With no electricity for refrigeration or to stay warm, he began to hoard food and items to keep him warm. His hoarding of food in his van attracted rodents to the dilapidated vehicle, which led them to live and die in the van with him.
Partnering with several organizations, the founder was able to place Stanley in a Five Star Independent Living facility. They also obtained Medicare benefits, extended veteran’s benefits, medical care, and many other services. This is the safety net that has been initiated for our disadvantaged, impoverished, and forgotten veterans.
At the time, illness and age continued to take a tighter hold on Stanley. He knew his time on earth was quickly coming to an end, and in September of 2021, Stanley went home to be with our Lord at the age of 92. Prior to his passing, he often spoke of our founder’s generosity, commitment, and collaboration, the other charities, and the connection of people that brought about the care he received. Being able to live out his life with dignity, he was most grateful to live in a clean home and all the essentials of having a place to call home.
Nick’s Story
Nick is a 94-year-old veteran who served in World War II. He will proudly tell you that he was a “Seabee” in the United States Navy. Nick is a kind man who will give you the shirt off his back if you need it. At the age of 91, he decided to give up his rent assisted home and move from the West Coast of Florida to the East Coast to care for his 87-year-old friend who suffered a stroke. She lost her ability to communicate verbally effectively, and her cognitive and physical abilities were greatly diminished because of the stroke. Nick cared for his friend, who was completely dependent on him for everything for three years. Eventually, this hard work took its toll on him, but he never complained once.
At the age of 94, on Father’s Day, Nick became very sick due to congestive heart failure and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. He had been weak and not eating well for the few months prior to this incident. In a matter of weeks, he lost 62 pounds. The caretaking was just too much for him. Nick has several children from a prior marriage. They are estranged due to divorce many years ago and there has been minimal, if any, contact over the years.
As Veteran Advocates, our team was able to get involved right away while Nick was in the hospital. It became clear that he would not be able to return to his previous living arrangement as he could no longer care for his friend. His friend’s family made plans to move her to an assisted living facility and eventually sell her condominium. Our team pulled together to help Nick navigate the hospital stay, and the subsequent rehabilitation stays. We advocated for him in these facilities, visited with him, and let him know that he was not alone and that we would help him find a good home once he was released from rehabilitation. With no home to go to and limited financial resources, our team was able to help Nick get the financial help that he was entitled to but did not know about. With this additional help, we were able to find him a good home in a senior living community that also provides for assisted living. Nick’s only furniture was a recliner chair, which we moved in for him. Our team was able to get Nick the furniture and other necessary items required for the move into his new apartment. Most recently, we provided him with an electric chair to help him navigate long distances in his community.
John's Story
John, is a 75yr old, retired Army Sargent, retired Civil Servant, and a husband of 30 yrs. to his wife Rosemary. John actively served in the Viet Nan war from 1965 to 1968 then later returned home to continue to serve his country as well as his community.
Prior to being drafted, John studied Business and Transportation development at Davenport University. Post-Military career John completed his studies and worked in Transportation for a while. He later transitioned and worked for the Workforce Development Board from 2004 to 2012, then as Economic Director at the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce until his retirement in 2018. Senior Veterans Support Foundation (SVSF) first met John and Rosemary in November of 2021. Upon our initial meeting and assessment, Rosemary expressed she needed assistance in the home, with errands, and the occasional doctors’ visit for John. Since they lived in their own home, we determined that they would benefit from Aide and Assistance. In addition, a Health Insurance assessment was also done.
In the end, SVSF assisted in attaining Aide and Assistance and a better healthcare plan for both John and Rosemary. These changes in their lives enabled them to continue living comfortably in their home while getting the help they need. Senior Veterans Support Foundation continues to serve, support, and advocate for John and Rosemary as their changing needs arise.
