Veterans In Care Continues to Reach New Milestones

By Terri Hendry 
(Reno, NV) – Veterans in Care (VIC) is the only program of its kind in the nation. It’s helping identify veterans who are not in the VA system, connecting them to the benefits they’ve earned and providing better care through specialized training for caregivers. What’s more, it provides an opportunity to recognize, honor and thank aging veterans before they’re gone. Since its inception in the Spring of 2016, VIC has honored and identified 1,200 veterans, including 400 WWII vets. One lady vet identified was 107-years-young!  
 
Through VIC, the Nevada Department of Veterans Services has been visiting skilled-care and assisted living facilities across the state. Once there, those who have served in the military are honored in a unique, patriotic ceremony that often turns emotional when each veteran is individually presented with a certificate, VIC pin, and personal thank you for serving. Governor Brian Sandoval has participated in several of these ceremonies.  
 
Once inside a facility, an NDVS Veterans Service Officer is available to ensure veterans can review or check on the status of benefits or claims.  
 
The program also seeks to provide better care to aging veterans through training of health care providers about military culture. Bravo Zulu training demonstrates to caregivers the importance of understanding military culture in providing care.