WEST READING, Pa. – A veteran in Berks is taking action to help other veterans with disabilities live their day-to-day lives.
“We do in home care. We do state insurance work, we do private duty work, and we do a lot of veterans work,” said Jim Hutchinson, president of Right at Home.
Hutchinson, a U.S. veteran himself, said Veterans Day is a reminder of veterans’ service, but gratitude should be felt everyday.
“We currently handle about 20 veterans,” Hutchinson said. “You can only take so many new clients on, but the demand for it is high, and it continues to grow.”
The agency provides companionship and everyday care.
“So we go in there a number of times a week to help the veteran just do little things around the house, make sure he’s taking showers, or she’s taking showers, and being groomed,” Hutchinson said.
The organization also helps heroes suffering from disabilities.
“If they need assistance and doctor’s appointment, we’ll go along as well — just being there, just keeping them company as well,” said Angela Brown, Right at Home.
The biggest reward of all, Hutchinson said, is listening to the stories of the brave men who we can thank for our freedom.
“We had a vet…the World War II guy. He spent most of his time behind enemy lines in Germany,” Hutchinson recalled.
Right at Home serves all branches of the military and different eras.
“Then we have the wave of Korea, and then the wave of Vietnam, and now we’re dealing with some Iraq veterans and things like that,” Hutchinson said.
However, they all have something in common: their heroism and love for the country.
“So you get, you talk to these guys, but they’re so down to earth. I mean, they don’t require a lot. They appreciate the help, and they’re just very thankful for Right at Home, our agency, but also the VA,” Hutchinson said.
Right at Home operates in various states.