Adapt A Vet is a Veteran-focused non-profit organization that collaborates with community construction partners, area Veteran Service Organizations (VSO) and other community organizations. The goal is to serve Veterans who meet Adapt A Vet’s eligibility criteria and make critical home adaptations that increase quality of life, independence, safety, and self-sufficiency of the Veteran.
JJ's Story
JJ and his family lived an active lifestyle before his 2007 deployment. As an instructor of soldiers, preparing them to go to war in Afghanistan in 2001, it was difficult to imagine simple, daily tasks would one day be a struggle. Now suddenly living his life in a chair, JJ found washing dishes, preparing food, and personal hygiene to be daunting obstacles.
Adapt A Vet began the home rehabilitation in November 2015 when JJ was a single amputee, which was sustained from a blast. It soon became evident that JJ would need an additional amputation six months after the rehabilitation was completed.
Adapt A Vet had the foresight and willingness to begin home rehabilitations in preparation for the worse, and within four days post his second amputation (caused by cancer), JJ was able to return to a home that ensured his freedom and mobility.
JJ’s wife can’t imagine how she would have managed the care of JJ and their children without the modified adaptations and design considerations due to the foresight of the Adapt A Vet Team and its Community Supporters.
Adapt A Vet’s rehabilitations included replacing untreated wooden exterior ramps and sidewalks with concrete; replacing the family room carpet with friendlier, solid surface flooring; removing the temporary front entry ramp provided by the VA and replacing with a matching concrete ramp; expanding the laundry room; installing kitchen pull down cabinets; and installing a roll under kitchen sink.
For JJ’s children, Adapt A Vet created a play nook in the empty space under the stairs. For JJ’s service dog, a wash and grooming station was installed.
All rights reserved.