Home of the Free, Because of the Brave

On April 17, 1951, Francis H. Scholle put his pen to the paper and made the courageous decision, as many others do, to dedicate the next three years of his life to the Marine Corps. Without looking back, Frank packed his bags and headed off to protect our country, a selfless task –not one for the weak. During his time as a Marine, he had the pleasure of serving at Parris Island, S.C., Camp Pendleton, California, Korea and Cherry Point, N.C.

During his stint in Korea, where he was stationed from Oct. 1951- Sept. 1952, he was awarded a one week trip to Japan for his work as a company wireman for Dog Easy Fox Co. in the Second Battalion, First Marines.

Early in the morning of August 13, 1952, at around 2:00 a.m., Frank was wounded while working to repair a wire. His mission in Korea earned him a purple heart, later followed by an honorable discharge and good conduct medal when his time in the Marines came to an end.

Frank went on to raise a loving family with four children in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. He did the best he could for his family, with what he had.  It wasn’t until 2006, that Frank started receiving benefits for his time served.

Zach Asman, USAF Vet – Assistant Director of Veteran’s Services at ViaQuest, got word of Frank’s story and immediately reached out to him. After the two of them connected, Zach used the resources and connections of ViaQuest Veteran Services to help Frank receive a $6,000 check from the VA. In addition, he will receive a $500 check every month, for life.

“The pension certainly helps with just necessitates of life,” said Frank. “We can now enjoy a few of the nice things in life. There’s no longer that pressure. We had four children. They no longer live with us, but we help them in any way we can; birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas.”

This man, who risked his life to serve and protect didn’t feel as if he was owed anything – but rather grateful to receive something he rightfully deserves. Stories like this, make us proud to be Americans.

Being a veteran-owned and operated business, ViaQuest truly understands the unique needs of veterans, reservists, and their families. A VA-licensed, social services and healthcare provider with a highly specialized team who works hard to take care of those, who take care of us, by providing the following services to veterans, reservists, and military family:

  • Home Health Services
  • Psychiatric & Behavioral Solutions (TBI, PTSD, Depression)
  • Employment Services
  • Nursing Services
  • Residential Services
  • Day Services
  • Hospice Services

“I didn’t start receiving VA benefits until 2006,” said Frank. “I wish someone had put me in touch with an organization like ViaQuest so that I could have gotten benefits sooner. It certainly changed my life. It means so much to have the assistance of an organization like ViaQuest. They have the answers and know who to contact and where to go.”

Visit our Veteran Services page to find out more about all of our services.

ViaQuest Mobile Team Reduces Hospital Admissions; Lowers Costs, Improves Care

Becomes 2nd ACHC accredited Behavioral Home Health Agency in the U.S.

Pittsburgh, PA – One in five adults over the age of 65 suffer from mental health, and the numbers continue to rise in the US. Depression can cause increased risk of dementia and heart attacks, leading to other major effects such as deterioration of life and affordable, quality health care. In efforts to make an impact, ViaQuest has partnered with distinguished psychiatrist, Dr. Mehta, to pioneer a Mobile Treatment Team to help those most in need. Their goal; to reduce the number of hospital admissions, ease costs and improve care quality by providing hands-on care to patients in long term care, skilled nursing facilities or at home.

ViaQuest is only the second agency in the nation to become an accredited ACHC Behavioral Health Home Health Agency. This accreditation allows staff to provide the highest level of psychiatric care, while addressing chronic physical health issues as well. The program is led by Mehta and his specialized team of psych nurses, social workers, nurse practitioners and certified home health-aids who work around the clock to help prevent hospital admissions.

“The goal is to reduce the risk of hospitalization in the psych unit,” Mehta proclaimed. “We are dedicated, and we are committed. The ViaQuest nursing staff is very loyal and committed. They are exemplary; they go the extra miles. We provide the services that I don’t think anyone else would ever even think about providing.”

In the past five years, the Mobile Treatment Team has expanded to over 25 locations and homes, reflecting positive results in quality of life and economic impact:

  • A pilot project showed significant decrease when only 5 of 98 patients resulted in readmission.
  • A typical daily hospital rate averages at $800. The same treatment, in a skilled facility, averages at $250 a day. Over a period of 10 days, the savings is nearly $5,500.
  • Clinicians trained in Geriatric Psychiatry see patients weekly, versus the typical once a month.
  • The process for changes in medication, if needed, occurs in a much timelier manner.
  • Acute problems no longer have to result in a hospital visit; they are handled within 24 hours.
  • The nurses are specialized in behavioral health.
  • Decreased Psychotropic medication usage in skilled units is dropping from 40% to 17%
  • Declining number of hospitalizations, falls and restraint usage in the facilities.
  • ViaQuest strategically partners with facilities to help with costs even if they aren’t seeing their patients. The ACHC accreditation makes for good standing with insurance companies.
  • Medicare and some commercial insurance accepted.

“We are in touch with the families and they appreciate so much that their loved one does not have to be in the hospital,” said Mehta. “Quality of life has significantly improved in those patients and they can function much more safely. I love it, I love to take care of older folks –that is why I’m still doing it.”

 

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