CLERMONT, Fla. — More than 800 veterans rely on medical care that happens within their own home. The Orlando VA’s home-based primary care program serves more veterans than any other similar program across the country.
What You Need To Know
Veterans in the Orlando VA Healthcare System’s home-based care program receive several services including nutrition, prescriptions, different therapies and primary care
The VA home-based program has seen success in reducing hospitalizations by 46 percent and emergency visits by 24 percent
One of the success stories is a 100-year-old World War II veteran who lives at his home in Clermont
One of their success stories is at a home of a World War II veteran in Clermont.
Anthony DeMarco sits still for his exam, but his mind is always on the move.
“I was firing my rifles at the enemy,” DeMarco said about his time in the Marine Corps during World War II. He was 18 years old at the time and has countless stories.
“I ran across the ground and jumped in his foxhole, and I was safe,” DeMarco said.
Decades later, the memories are fresh in his mind.
“The ones I miss the most were walking beside me,” DeMarco said as he started to cry. The emotions hit hard as he thinks about the lives lost.
“I wanted to be a preacher because God saved my life, and I wanted to show my appreciation to God for sparing my life,” DeMarco said.
He is a pastor, veteran, teacher, author and a father.
“There is so many accomplishments that he has done that is just amazing,” David DeMarco said about his dad.
Anthony DeMarco just turned 100 years old and his son wanted only the best care for his dad. It turns out they didn’t have to go far, because it all happens at home.
“He was doing not too good at first, but when he got home and got around people that loved him, and the care he received from all the care providers, he made a 180-degree turn and he is just blossoming,” David DeMarco said.
Veterans in the Orlando VA Healthcare System’s home-based care program receive several services including nutrition, prescriptions, different therapies and primary care.
“It is incredibly different, we get to get acquainted with the veterans and with their family members and also with their environment,” said Sheila Rigaud, a family nurse practitioner.
For Anthony DeMarco, his home is full of love, but what he loves most is outside.
“One of the highlights that we have,” Anthony DeMarco said.
He has a view of the golf course out his backyard.
“This has been very restful, peaceful and recuperates my strength, so it is very important for me to be here,” Anthony DeMarco said.
He is happiest at home. “I believe God meant it to be this way after what I went through in WWII,” DeMarco said.
The VA home-based program has seen success in reducing hospitalizations by 46 percent and emergency visits by 24 percent by managing the veteran’s health needs at home. If you or a loved one are interested in the program, speak to your primary care provider.