For many of us, “home” is synonymous with comfort, family and a sense of belonging. But for veterans like Ricky, who served 13 honorable years in the U.S. Army as a mechanic, coming home was anything but simple. A devastating car accident left Ricky in a wheelchair, marking the beginning of a nearly seven-year battle to not just heal, but to reclaim his life and reunite with his family.

This is Ricky’s story of resilience, advocacy and the life-changing impact of home care.

From Army mechanic to relearning life

Ricky spent over a decade serving his country as a mechanic in the U.S. Army. His transition to civilian life abruptly began after a car accident in 2016 that left him with a spinal cord injury. Life as he knew it had completely changed.

The injury meant adapting to a new way of living, one where mobility was limited, and basic daily tasks became significant challenges. For a long time, his new reality was shaped by months of hospital stays, rehabilitation and stays at different nursing homes as well as almost seven years at a VA care facility. Learning to direct his care through nurses and caregivers while navigating a wheelchair became his new normal.

The long road home

After years of rehabilitation and nursing home stays, Ricky was introduced to the idea of at-home care. Someone on the medical staff told him, with the right services and support, he could live at home and have caregivers provide the care he needed. It sounded like a dream, but making that transition was far from straightforward.

The biggest hurdles? Ricky was unable to be near his family, especially his young daughter. For nearly two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ricky and his daughter were kept apart, with FaceTime being their only connection due to facility rules that didn’t admit minors. It was a heart-wrenching experience that underscored why Ricky was determined to fight his way back home.

Another obstacle Ricky faced was advocating for himself to get 24/7 care, including bowel and bladder care, intermittent catheterization and trach suctioning. Although there were many roadblocks along the way, Ricky refused to give up. He advocated tirelessly for himself, making countless emails and phone calls to the VA. He eventually escalated his concerns to his congressman, who strongly advocated on his behalf to get him home. Over time, the needle finally moved.

The benefits of home health care

After a long and arduous process, Ricky received approval for 11 hours of nursing care and four hours of CNA care each day. On June 27th, 2023, he finally returned to his home. For the first time in nearly seven years, Ricky could once again be in the comfort of his own space. And, most importantly, he could once again be there for his daughter—not through a screen, but in person. Ricky says one of the hardest challenges since returning home has been learning how to raise his 13-year-old daughter from a wheelchair and effectively communicating with her.

Since transitioning to at-home care, Ricky’s life has changed dramatically. He now has:

• A daily routine with compassionate support: His nurses and caregivers provide consistent, quality care that allows him to maintain a structured schedule and focus on his priorities.

• Quality time with family: Ricky now gets to spend weekends with his daughter and attend her sporting events. These moments, he says, are invaluable.

• A better quality of life: “I’d much rather be at home than in a nursing home,” he says. The ability to live independently yet supported has been nothing short of life changing.

Lessons learned in the fight for care

Ricky’s story highlights the importance of persistence, advocacy and resilience. His advice to other veterans seeking home care is simple but powerful:

“Don’t stop fighting for the care that you need,” says Ricky. “You earned it, so don’t stop fighting for what you earned. Home care is definitely a life improvement and worth the fight.”

For Ricky, this fight wasn’t just about care; it was about regaining control of his life and reconnecting with his family. It’s a reminder to all of us that, no matter how challenging the road is, the result is worth it when it comes to being with the ones we love.

For those veterans who are navigating the complexities of at-home care, Ricky’s story serves as a testament to the impact of compassionate, personalized support. And for every caregiver, advocate and family member who fights alongside them, it’s a reminder of the difference their dedication can make.

Maxim Healthcare Services delivers specialized home healthcare for veterans, their spouses and dependents. With highly skilled clinicians and collaboration with physicians, we create personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs. The services we provide include skilled home health care, home health aide care and respite services. To learn more about the services available near you, contact your local Maxim office. You’ve served us; now let us serve you.