Army Veteran Frank Marin sat at his kitchen table sipping his morning drink and reminiscing about his life in the military, his youth and agility. Now showing the signs of age and years, a recent fall in his home made it clear to Marin that some changes were in order.
“I tripped and fell and was just barely able to grip anything with my right hand as I headed for the floor in my bathroom. It was an eye-opener for me and my wife,” he shared.
Marin, 75, from Big Spring, Texas, was stepping out of the shower when his foot caught edge of the tub nearly sending him crashing to the ground. The trip served as a wake-up call for the Vietnam Veteran, one that caused a chain reaction with his Patient Aligned Care Team at George H. O’Brien Jr. VA.
“Mr. Marin told us he fell in his bathroom while we spoke during his medical appointment,” said Christine Everett, PACT nurse. “When that happened, we looked into getting him a HISA (home improvement structural alterations) grant to help remodel his bathroom to make it safer for him.”
Prosthetics department made it happen
Marin, his family and his care team embarked on a journey to transform his bathroom to making it safe and comfortable. They next met up with Chris Rodriguez from the prosthetics department at Big Spring VA, who began the process to make the renovation happen.
“When we met Mr. Marin, he told us about his fall and [how he] was committed to making his bathroom safer for him and his wife. Veterans like him are why these HISA grants exist. They help our Veterans with mobility difficulties lead safer, more fulfilling lives,” Rodriguez said.
After determining Marin was an ideal candidate for the grant, the prosthetics department sent him on his way with a grant packet for the home improvement and a contractor ready to make the Veteran’s safety wish a reality. The design process was meticulous, every detail carefully considered: non-slip flooring replaced the hazardous tiles, ensuring stable footing even when wet; grab bars were strategically placed throughout, providing support and stability where needed.
“I’m 100-percent happy with the work that was done. My family can breathe easier knowing that some of the small tasks a person takes for granted as they get older won’t be a problem for me,” Marin said.
Pictured above, Army Veteran Frank Marin shows the upgrades to his bathroom renovations.
Two knee replacements, two heart bypasses
Marin has received VA health care since 1975. He’s had two total knee replacements, open-heart surgery, two heart bypasses and takes insulin every day. He credits VA with helping him lead a rich and healthy life, his home improvement being one more example of VA’s commitment to his health.
“I’ve been receiving my care since returning from Vietnam. VA has taken very good care of me from then until now. I can’t complain about any service I’ve received from them. I’m just extremely thankful that VA is there for me and my wife. It gives us the piece-of-mind to not worry about things as I get older,” he added.
Veterans who have slipped or fallen at any point are encouraged to have the conversation with their healthcare provider to determine ways their PACT can improve their quality of life, safety and well-being at home.
