For many of us in the United States, military service touches our lives, whether through family, friends, or our communities. Our veterans have sacrificed so much and genuinely deserve our heartfelt gratitude, compassion, and care. Sadly, many of these brave individuals feel isolated and face daily challenges with tasks most of us take for granted, like preparing meals, keeping up with household chores, or managing their own wellbeing.
As veterans grow older, it becomes more important to provide the support they need to remain independent at home. After years spent in service to our country, these individuals deserve dignity, comfort, and attentive care. By investing in the health of our senior veterans, we help them enjoy a higher quality of life and honor their commitment to us all.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes these needs and provides veterans home care funding in Fort Smith, AR, to assist servicepeople and their loved ones. What many families don't realize is that long-term care options - including in-home care - are included in programs like ameriCARE's Veteran CARE services.
Today, many of our veterans are vulnerable to a variety of issues that can impact their quality of life. However, through our Veteran CARE services, we're able to provide customized, compassionate care that addresses those issues and provides families like yours with peace of mind. Whether they're returning from combat with new health challenges or simply need an extra hand throughout the day as they age, our team is here to help.
Our agency owners are dedicated to guiding veterans through the process of accessing their benefits and understanding their eligibility. This important service, available at many of our franchise locations, empowers veterans to overcome the often confusing world of entitlements. With empathy and expertise, we strive to honor veterans by delivering personalized care and knowledgeable guidance, supporting them in living fuller, more independent lives.
The VA offers valuable benefits that include coverage for home health aide and homemaker services to veterans who require help with daily living activities. Through collaboration with one of our care partners, we learned that, out of more than 8 million veterans in the VA healthcare system aged 65 and older, only about 150,000 are utilizing this support. This means fewer than 2 percent of eligible veterans are getting the care they've rightfully earned. In some cases, such as with "Aid and Attendance," surviving spouses of veterans may also be eligible for benefits.
ameriCARE is committed to linking veterans and seniors nationwide with compassionate, highly trained caregivers from their own communities. We're proud to say that our mission goes beyond care - in fact, we're happy to help guide veterans and their families through the complexities of the VA system, offering hands-on support during the entire approval process. Many of our franchise owners team members are veterans themselves, who are dedicated to ensuring you or your loved one receives reliable, personalized care at home.
Regardless of how long they served, many military veterans leave service with a litany of health issues - both mental and physical. Some of the most common problems that older veterans face after leaving the military include
Research from the National Center for PTSD reveals that as many as 23% of veterans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder during their lifetime. For some, symptoms may not surface until later years, often following retirement. Notably, the development or worsening of PTSD in older adults has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, suggesting a complex relationship between trauma and cognitive decline as veterans age.
A recent study featured in the National Library of Medicine examined the prevalence of malnutrition among older veterans receiving home-based primary care. The researchers discovered that 15% of these individuals were classified as malnourished, highlighting a significant health concern within this population. Malnutrition in elderly veterans can lead to a range of complications, such as weakened immune response, slower recovery from illness, and increased risk of hospitalization. These issues underscore the need for veterans home care funding in Fort Smith, AR that helps seniors with eating and nutrition challenges.
Studies show that older veterans face a 25% higher likelihood of reporting multiple chronic health issues compared to their nonveteran peers. This trend underscores the unique health challenges veterans may encounter as they age, which often stem from service-related injuries, stress, and more.
Veterans often carry the weight of their service, having endured challenging circumstances and shouldered responsibility for the security of others. As they grow older, preserving their sense of independence becomes deeply intertwined with their mental and emotional health. For many, shifting from self-reliance to accepting help with everyday activities can be a significant adjustment.
A skilled caregiver who understands veterans' unique backgrounds can make this transition smoother. Building trust through respect for personal boundaries, clear communication, and trauma-informed care is essential to fostering a strong partnership between veterans and their in-home caregivers.
Many ameriCARE locations provide their caregivers with specialized training to better support our veterans as veteran cases can be complex and deserve tailored care.
Our caregivers offer support with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and managing dietary needs. They also encourage healthy habits and lifestyle choices, ensuring you or your loved one receives personalized nutrition and wellness guidance.
Tasks like bathing, using the restroom, getting dressed, and maintaining oral hygiene can become challenging because of aging or ongoing health conditions. Our dedicated caregivers are specially trained to assist with these personal routines and always prioritize the veteran's comfort, privacy, and self-esteem.
A tidy living space does more than promote good hygiene. It fosters a sense of comfort, security, and overall wellbeing. Our caregivers help with everyday household tasks, making sure your home remains a safe, inviting, and organized environment.
When driving becomes a challenge, whether for you or a veteran family member, our caregivers step in to help. They can handle errands such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, ensuring appointments are kept, and providing reliable support for many other daily needs.
In-home caregivers from ameriCARE are dedicated to supporting your loved one's mobility and safety. From accompanying them on short walks to guiding them through physical therapy routines, we help promote regular movement and keep them engaged in activities that support their health and independence.
Our caregivers foster engagement by offering gentle support and uplifting encouragement. We create opportunities for veterans to participate in enriching activities, make social connections, and develop genuine bonds with their in-home caregivers.
We can accompany you or the older veteran in your life to medical appointments. We can also help relay any information or instructions provided by doctors.
Coping with the effects of aging, disability, or recovery from injury often involves juggling multiple medications with specific timing and dosages. Our caregivers can help ensure that you or your veteran loved one receives the correct medications at the right times, providing peace of mind while supporting overall health.
Our comprehensive care extends to beloved pets as well. We can assist with daily dog walks, feeding routines, arranging transportation for vet visits, and maintaining pet hygiene. By helping with day-to-day chores like pet care, we help enhance the wellbeing of senior veterans and their animal companions.
While many veterans have a primary care physician or a home health care professional, they may still need a real human connection beyond medical care. Veteran-funded home care can help you or your loved one maintain a more balanced life, one visit at a time. That's where ameriCARE comes in. We work tirelessly to connect dedicated, welltrained, and dependable caregivers to veterans across the United States.
If you're looking for a locally-owned home care company that provides veterans with personalized support, Request More Info today. It would be our honor to help you and your family navigate the VA and to act as your liaison throughout the benefit approval process.
Ready to get started on your journey with ameriCARE? Request More Info today to schedule your consultation and learn more information about how we can assist you or your senior loved one.
The St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in Fort Smith's Entertainment District. FORT SMITH, Ark. —The sound of Irish music and a sea of green will take over Fort Smith on Saturday, March 14, for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt.It's organized by the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association in partnership with The RiverBoy Foundation.The pub crawl starts at 3 p.m. in Fort Smith's entertainment district an...
The St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, in Fort Smith's Entertainment District.
FORT SMITH, Ark. —
The sound of Irish music and a sea of green will take over Fort Smith on Saturday, March 14, for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl and Scavenger Hunt.
It's organized by the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association in partnership with The RiverBoy Foundation.
The pub crawl starts at 3 p.m. in Fort Smith's entertainment district and includes 18 bars and restaurants along Garrison Avenue and in Fort Smith's Bakery District.
The Fort Smith Fire Department Pipe and Drum Corps will march along Garrison Avenue, stopping into bars and restaurants for pop-up concerts.
"In the past few years, I feel like it's become a little bit more anticipated and exciting," said Rachel Testa with the RiverBoy Foundation. "I think we have some new bars over the past few years as well, like Amigos and Back Porch and Digs. I think that's bringing a really fun and fresh kind of perspective to downtown."
In order to participate in the pub crawl, you must purchase an entertainment cup for $5 and pick up a free wristband. Both are available at any of the participating bars and restaurants.
This year's entertainment cups were designed by two Fort Smith natives and NBA players with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams.
A scavenger hunt will also take place during the pub crawl. As you stop into the bars and restaurants, keep an eye out for hidden gold coins. You can download the Actionbound app to record the coins you find. The two people who find the most coins will win prizes such as concert tickets and gift cards.
Bars and restaurants will have specials on certain food and drinks, including the classic Irish dish, bangers and mash. The pub crawl will continue late Saturday night and into Sunday morning, with some bars open until 5 a.m.
City officials say the combined water output could total 60 million gallons of water per day, enough to fill 91 Olympic swimming pools every day.FORT SMITH, Ark. — According to Fort Smith officials, the city may soon be contracted with a company owned by Elon Musk to install a water line under the Arkansas River.City Director Neil Martin says Musk's The Boring Company has selected Fort Smith as a top 16 finalist for a project that could bring 42 million additional gallons of water to the city every day.The "Tu...
City officials say the combined water output could total 60 million gallons of water per day, enough to fill 91 Olympic swimming pools every day.
FORT SMITH, Ark. — According to Fort Smith officials, the city may soon be contracted with a company owned by Elon Musk to install a water line under the Arkansas River.
City Director Neil Martin says Musk's The Boring Company has selected Fort Smith as a top 16 finalist for a project that could bring 42 million additional gallons of water to the city every day.
The "Tunnel Vision" project by The Boring Company aims to build a project chosen from a list of applicants, free of charge.
Martin says there were over 480 applications for the project, and that the construction would be huge for the city, and how they transport water.
A video posted by Fort Smith proposes building a 4' water transmission pipe around 70' underground to take water from the Fort Smith Water Treatment Plant to neighboring communities
City officials say the combined water output could total 60 million gallons of water per day, enough to fill 91 Olympic swimming pools every day.
The current water infrastructure, built between the 1930s and 1950s, no longer meets the city’s growing demands. The new pipeline would improve water pressure across the city, reach areas like Chaffee Crossing, and support future expansion.
Josh Buchfink, Fort Smith’s Director of Communications, emphasized the project's broader impact.
“This water transmission line not only will service the city of Fort Smith, of course, but five other counties,” Buchfink said.
He also noted that the pipeline would support local manufacturing, industry, and military bases such as Ebbing Air National Guard and Fort Chaffee.
“This is not only about getting drinking water, but also public safety with fire flows,” Mittge added.
Winning the competition could save the city an estimated $20 million, making it a financially advantageous option as well.
A winner will reportedly be announced on March 23.
The Great American Conference Basketball Championships are returning to Fort Smith this week, bringing an estimated half-million-dollar boost to the local economy.The four-day tournament, which tips off Thursday at Northside Arena, is expected to draw approximately 1,300 attendees, with about 500 staying overnight, according to the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. The projected economic impact is $568,138, up from an estimated $500,000 generated by the 2025 tournament, which drew just over 1,000 attendees.The event ma...
The Great American Conference Basketball Championships are returning to Fort Smith this week, bringing an estimated half-million-dollar boost to the local economy.
The four-day tournament, which tips off Thursday at Northside Arena, is expected to draw approximately 1,300 attendees, with about 500 staying overnight, according to the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. The projected economic impact is $568,138, up from an estimated $500,000 generated by the 2025 tournament, which drew just over 1,000 attendees.
The event marks the first time the GAC Championships will be hosted at the $14.5 million Northside Arena after Southside hosted the tournament last season. Both facilities were first used in early 2022. They were funded through a voter-approved millage increase in 2018 that generated roughly $120 million for districtwide facility and program improvements.
A total of 14 games will be played from Thursday through Sunday, culminating in championship matchups on Sunday afternoon.
The tournament opens Thursday with four quarterfinal contests, beginning with the top two seeds.
At noon, the men’s No. 2 seed, Ouachita Baptist, faces Southwestern Oklahoma State. The Tigers secured a top-two seed for the second consecutive year and swept the Bulldogs during the regular season.
At 2:15 p.m., Northwestern Oklahoma State opens the women’s bracket against East Central. The Rangers’ No. 2 seed is their best finish in the GAC era. They won their first GAC Championship game last season and split regular-season momentum with ECU.
In the evening session, the regular-season champions take center stage. Oklahoma Baptist, which claimed its first-ever men’s regular-season title and enters on a 17-game win streak, the third-longest active streak in Division II, faces Henderson State at 5:45 p.m. The Bison won both regular-season meetings.
At 8 p.m., Harding’s Lady Bisons, the women’s No. 1 seed, play Southern Nazarene. Harding has reached the finals in each of its previous three appearances as the top seed, winning titles in 2015 and 2017.
Friday opens with a men’s doubleheader. Southern Nazarene (No. 4) meets East Central (No. 5) at noon, followed by No. 3 Harding against No. 6 Southeastern Oklahoma State.
Southern Nazarene has reached the finals in each of the past two seasons, while Harding, the 2025 GAC champion, enters on an eight-game win streak.
The women’s quarterfinals take the floor in the evening. Henderson State (No. 4) plays Southeastern Oklahoma State (No. 5) at 5:45 p.m., followed by Arkansas Tech (No. 3) against Ouachita Baptist (No. 6).
Arkansas Tech’s appearance carries added significance. This tournament marks the final GAC Championship for head coach Dave Wilbers, who announced his retirement in November. Wilbers led the Golden Suns to three GAC Championship titles during his tenure.
Semifinal Saturday begins at noon with the two men’s semifinals, followed by the women’s semifinals at 5:45 p.m.
Championship Sunday features the men’s final at 1 p.m. and the women’s title game at 3:30 p.m.
All 14 contests will be broadcast by the GAC Sports Network, with Joey McWilliams and Luke McConnell on play-by-play and Alyssa Orange providing sideline coverage and postgame interviews.
Session passes are available for $12 each.
Thursday, March 5 - Quarterfinals
Friday, March 6 - Quarterfinals
Saturday, March 7 - Semifinals
Sunday, March 8 - Finals
Men's Final: Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 10, 1 p.m.
Women’s Final: Winner Game 11 vs. Winner Game 12, 3:30 p.m.
FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Pittsburg State University baseball team completed the three-game series sweep of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith with a 16-3 win Sunday (Mar. 1).The win helped the Gorillas, ranked No. 2 by the baseball writers (NCBWA) and No. 7 by the coaches (ABCA), improve to 17-0 on the season (7-0 MIAA). Pitt State is off to its best start to a season in program history and the Gorillas continue to extend their school record winning streak as well.Isaac Webb went 3-for-5 at the plate with a double and f...
FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Pittsburg State University baseball team completed the three-game series sweep of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith with a 16-3 win Sunday (Mar. 1).
The win helped the Gorillas, ranked No. 2 by the baseball writers (NCBWA) and No. 7 by the coaches (ABCA), improve to 17-0 on the season (7-0 MIAA). Pitt State is off to its best start to a season in program history and the Gorillas continue to extend their school record winning streak as well.
Isaac Webb went 3-for-5 at the plate with a double and five RBI on the afternoon. Landin Midgett homered for a second straight game and drove in four runs. Dagen Brewer extended his MIAA record consecutive games hitting streak to 37 games with a second-inning single. He went 1-for-2, was intentionally walked twice and scored three runs.
Elijah Seitz (3-0) earned the win in relief for the Gorillas. He limited UAFS to one hit over 2.0 innings of work and registered two strikeouts. Ty Blecha made his first start of the season. He allowed one run and four hits over 3.0 innings of work. Cason Long tossed the final two innings for Pitt State, allowing two runs and fanning four batters.
The Gorillas will travel to Emporia, Kan., for a three-game MIAA series against Emporia State University starting next Friday (Mar. 6).
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