From her home base in Jonesboro, Arkansas, VetAssist Regional Manager Sarah Akin crisscrosses the state helping veterans and widows of veterans access home care and military benefits. Sarah has been with Veterans Home Care, a family-owned and operated company since 2013.Veterans Home Care/VetAssist Regional Manager Sarah Akin is also the president of Arkansas Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW-Arkansas)Sarah helps veterans or their surviving spouses find out if they are eligible for a little-known VA benefit called Aid and Attendance. If they choose to use the VA Aid and Attendance funds for a personal home care aid, they are a good fit for the Veterans Home Care’s VetAssist Program.
Sarah is also a resource for senior care professionals.
Now Sarah is traveling across Arkansas for another good reason. She is president of the Arkansas Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW). This organization was founded in 1919. BPW fosters personal, professional and financial development to its members through educational programs and a support network. BPW is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian organization which self-governs with a slate of officers elected each year. With a slogans of “Women Helping Women” and “Equal Work Deserves Equal Pay” one of the BPW’s causes is eliminating the wage gap between men and women. BPW also offers scholarships and successful workplace guidelines and recently honored several local women veterans.“I’ve been active in various women groups for about 15 years and I previously served as BPW/Arkansas president six years ago, when I worked at Home Instead Senior Care out of Jonesboro with Dr. Stephen and Linda Lunde. Linda is also a member of BPW,” said Sarah. “The state president selects a color and theme for the year…sometimes it’s just something we like…other times it ties into our profession,” said Sarah. This year BPW/Arkansas has a patriotic theme and a new red, white and blue logo. The group holds three state-wide meetings. One of those meetings honored our women veterans. The next program will center on the organization’s 100 years of service. Sarah’s colleagues at Veterans Home Care salute her commitment to veterans, military families and seniors. Thank you Sarah for being a leader in your community and at work.At a recent luncheon, BPW of Arkansas honored several local women veteransSarah Akin was a guest on local Jonesboro, Arkansas KAIT8 TV show with Diana Davis promoting the BPW’s scholarship program.Regional Manager Sarah Akin travels across Arkansas helping veterans and their surviving spouses who need in-home care.To contact Sarah about BPW/Arkansas membership or partnering with Veterans Home Care’s VetAssist Program email: sakin@veteranshomecare.com.
If you are or know a wartime veteran or a surviving spouse and want more information about in-home care paid for with military benefits, call our VetAssist national referral number: 888-314-6075. We can help you determine if you are eligible for Veterans Home Care’s VetAssist Program.
Cindy Stamps, AccentCare in Waco, Texas with VHC Regional Manager, Nicole Figureo
“I’m a daughter, aunt, niece, and cousin of veteran, I did my research among companies similar services before I started working with VetAssist. I have exclusively worked with VetAssist for my veteras for three years.”
How long have you been working with VetAssist
“Exclusively for 3 years; did her research among companies with similar services”
What’s your experience working with Nicole?
“3 years. Also has a private pay; was doing her referrals, got a call from a girl with a strong NY accent looking for Marlena.”
What do you thing about the service?
“I love it because it’s easy to get in contact. They do what they say they’re gonna do. If there’s a mistake or miscommunication, they own up to whatever the problem is and do whatever they can to get it fixed. I have a Robin’s personal cell, David’s personal cel… They take the time to talk to me. I’ve been having problems with portal. It’s nice to know that if I have a question I will get it answered right away.I’m not patient when it comes to my veterans. “
What has been your experience helping veterans?
“It’s amazing. The VA do the veterans justice, and they are even less accomodating to the spouses. To know that I am able to help somebody to get the benefit and the care that they need to stay in their home is satisfying. I had to talk to a veteran the other day about his wife, and they do not qualify for the benefits because he’s already 100 % disabled. It breaks my heart because here are these men and women who served our country, and I can’t help them.”
“In central TX, we have a couple other agencies – I do not know how they are getting away with it – they are charging veterans $1200-1500 up front without a quarantee that they can get them benefits. The veterans reach out to me later and many tell me they do not qualify, and I say, how do you know you do not qualify?” I am often able to help them trough my VetAssist contact”
“I’m so thankful for Bonnie starting this company. I am very particular with my veterans, and I am gratefull that you guys are around, because you help me help my veterans.”
Saul Avila, SetxHomeCare
“VetAssist is a great service. There are benefits and services available that veterans don’t know about. Nurses and social workers dont’t know about them either, so it’s great to educate the community. The veterans can get services at home, and that’s where they want to be: in their homes.
How long have you been working with VetAssist
“7 years”
What’s your experience working with VetAssist?
“I started with the local Regional Manager. He was a huge help getting this going – the process of helping patients get their documents together, everything they need to get approval. “
What do you thing about the service?
“It’s great! It’s really needed in the community, because if the veterans were to apply for the benefits on their own, they are looking at a year process. We can start services usually within 30-45 days of everything being submitted. They’re able to stay in their own homes longer and get the help they need. “
What has been your experience helping veterans?
“It’s been a honor. They do not want to ask for anything. They want to do it on their own. When we reach out and tell them what’s available, they are very greatful. It means that a lot to me to be able to get it started for them, to make it easier on them. It’s a lot of paperwork.”
Donna Appel
Vice President, Marketing
In her role as Vice President, Marketing, Donna oversees VHC’s marketing outreach and branding. Donna has more than 35 years of experience in sales, sales training and marketing.
Her wealth of business expertise includes a focus on the needs of older adults, caregivers and family members in need of home care solutions. She’s a resource to veterans’ organizations and senior care providers across the country and champions the mission to assist veterans, their spouses and their families with resources for them to age in place.
Those resources include the VetAssist® Program, which helps deserving veterans stay at home, if it is their choice, by obtaining home care with no out of pocket cost. As a daughter (and daughter-in-law) of a WWII veteran and a Veterans Home Care client, Donna is proud to serve these heroes and their families.
Donna is a member of the Veterans Council of Broward County and is currently on the Advisory Council for the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County. Ms. Appel also mentors at risk teenagers through Take Stock in Children, an organization that funds college scholarships for at risk youth. Donna is part of a team for the Stepp’n Up Shoe Project that collects new shoes for Broward County children and distributes them to The Children’s Home Society, Child Net, Kids in Distress, The Anne Stork Center and several other organizations.
Robin Borders
Vice President, Sales
With more than a decade of senior care experience, Robin Borders is a respected leader in the home care industry.
Robin started at Veterans Home Care in 2012 in the Client Services Department, then joined the marketing team as a regional manager and was promoted to territory vice president. As a client service specialist, Robin monitored the home care of clients assuring they were getting the services they needed from a home care aide they trusted. Working as a regional manager, Robin made home visits to veterans and their families explaining the VetAssist Program.
Robin is instrumental in marketing our unique business model, educating the public on how we help people apply for a VA pension with Aid and Attendance and provide home care services. As a territory manager, Robin works with home care agencies and senior organizations across the country.
Prior to working at Veterans Home Care, Robin owned her own business as a manufacturer’s representative of restaurant equipment managing four states. Robin, a daughter of a Marine Korean War veteran and granddaughter of a Navy WWII veteran, grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated with an associate degree from Florissant Valley Community College. Robin volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association and is a member of the St. Louis Home Care Alliance.
Robin is a sought-after speaker and presenter based at our St. Louis, Missouri headquarters and oversees regional managers and company growth in 48 states
Howard Laiderman
Chairman
Howard began his career in his family’s automotive tire and auto parts wholesale and retail business which at one time was ranked 8th largest US tire dealer by Crane Publishing. He developed his skills in operations and executed marketing programs that resulted in sales from Fortune 500 companies including Walmart.
After the passing of Howard’s father, he ventured out on his own and started Ness Trading Company. With the help of his wife Bonnie and their two daughters, his new family operation quickly grew to one of the largest closeout and surplus specialists in the automotive parts and custom wheels industry.
Since 2003, Howard has worked with Bonnie growing Veterans Home Care to become the largest company of its kind offering in-home care to our deserving veterans through the unique VetAssist Program. Howard has been an integral part of the organization’s effort to brand the VetAssist Program and scale the business through provider contracting and client relationship management (CRM) technology.
Today Veterans Home Care has multiple locations throughout the country, and serves veterans in 48 states with a network of more than 4,000 home care providers. Veterans Home Care has also earned the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics and the Inc. 5000 Award of Fastest Growing Companies seven times.
Howard supports national veterans’ organizations and travels to Capitol Hill advocating for veterans and educating policymakers about the needs of veterans.
Evan Kaltman
Chief Revenue Officer
Since opening the local Veterans Home Care NYJ office in 2009, Evan has overseen the expansion of the operations to include all of New Jersey as well as Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware. Evan is based at our Cedar Knolls, New Jersey office and leads sales operations nationwide.
Evan is a member of the New Jersey Association of Veterans Service Officers (NJAVSO). In addition, he serves as a board member for Welcome Home Vets of NJ.
Evan is a sought-after public speaker and strongly believes in educating social workers about the funding options available for our veterans and surviving spouses to receive in-home care. He is certified by the National Association of Social Workers – New Jersey Chapter (NASW-NJ) to provide training and issue “VA Benefits for Long Term Care” continuing education credits (CEU’s).
Carmen Perry-Tevaga
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
As Vice President of National Accounts, Carmen develops and supports a nationwide network of home care and other senior care providers for Veterans Home Care’s brands. Carmen is responsible for these valued stakeholder relationships, identifying sales opportunities and developing comprehensive growth strategies for all parties involved.
Carmen’s 20+ years of healthcare administration experience spans multiple levels of care from physician practices to renown hospitals and rehabilitation services.
Having an extensive consulting background and subject matter expertise in VA Aid and Attendance benefits for older adult care, she’s a well-received speaker, podcast guest and presenter.
Carmen serves on the Home Care Association of America’s (HCAOA) Veterans Affairs Committee and serves as a board member for the National Aging In Place Council, (NAIPC) with whom she co-wrote a book on senior care.
Marcy Seeney
Senior Vice President of VetAssist
Marcy Seeney, a dedicated advocate for senior care, has been an integral part of Veterans Home Care since January 2006. With a wealth of experience in the industry, Marcy was among the pioneering team members who joined her family on the company’s mission to support Veterans and Surviving Spouses in accessing essential care while maintaining their independence and dignity at home.
Over her remarkable 17-year journey, they have positively impacted over 22,000 families by facilitating their eligibility for the Aid & Attendance pension. Marcy is passionate about serving others and ensuring their well-being. Marcy continues to make a difference through her unwavering commitment to excellence in senior care. Networking in this space, she led the way for St. Louis and helped teach and train those who have gone on in the community to careers in home care.
Heidi Friedman
General Council
Heidi is a distinguished VA accredited attorney and one of a few Florida Board Certified Elder Law Attorneys. With an unwavering commitment to honoring veterans and their families, Heidi has dedicated her career to providing expert legal assistance to veterans and their surviving spouses in obtaining VA Aid and Attendance benefits to assist with paying for the extraordinary cost of long-term care. Throughout her legal career, Heidi has amassed a wealth of experience in navigating the intricate landscape of VA benefits. Her expertise extends to advocating for veterans and surviving spouses, ensuring they receive the support they rightfully deserve.
Beyond her legal expertise, Heidi shares deep personal connections with the military community. As the proud sister of two army veterans and an aunt to a nephew currently serving in the armed services, her dedication goes far beyond professional duties. This unique perspective drives her passion for supporting those who have selflessly served our nation.
Heidi’s in-depth understanding of Elder Law and VA regulations has empowered numerous veterans to access essential benefits and resources. She possesses a rare ability to simplify complex legal processes, making it accessible for veterans and their families to navigate their journey smoothly. While her professional achievements are impressive, Heidi is not defined solely by her legal endeavors. She is the proud mother of two sons, one of whom has special needs, enriching her perspective and reinforcing her commitment to helping families navigate challenges with empathy and understanding.
Bonnie Laiderman
Founder and Chairwoman Emeritus
As the founder and owner of Veterans Home Care®, Bonnie Laiderman has helped more than 20,000 veterans and their spouses receive in-home care through the unique VetAssist® Program.
Bonnie started the business in 2003 to answer a need in the military veteran community. Many veterans and their families don’t utilize available benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) due to a lack of awareness. As a caregiver for her late mother, Bonnie personally experienced the frustration of failing to access available VA benefits in her mother’s time of need.
Bonnie has overseen the growth of the company from a one-woman operation to become one of the largest women-owned companies in the St. Louis Metro Region with multiple locations throughout the country, serving veterans in 48 states with a network of more than 4,000 home care providers.
In addition to growing Veterans Home Care to become the largest provider of its kind in the industry, Bonnie has been a strong supporter of numerous charitable and social organizations with both a local and national impact. Wings of Hope and Lydia’s House have both benefited from Bonnie’s support to continue services to our most vulnerable in need. Bonnie also is active in the American Red Cross as: a Tiffany Circle member, (a national society of women leaders), a chairperson for the Service Armed Forces Committee and a mentorin the Society of Women Leaders.
