Ms. Scott works for the Adult Day Healthcare Veteran Program. We are a social model community program that serves to enhance Veterans’ quality of life by alleviating isolation and depression while reducing caregiver burden. During our program, Ms. Scott noticed that one of our veterans appeared tired, disengaged, and jaundiced. She called the wife and recommended she take him to the emergency department to be evaluated. The wife refused to take him to the emergency room but had him evaluated by their PCP later in the week.

The following week, the Veteran returned to the program with more noticeable jaundice and fatigue. Ms. Scott reached out to the Veteran’s wife again to recommend taking him to the emergency room for evaluation. The wife agreed to take him. On assessment, he was found to have elevated bilirubin and LFTs.

When the results of the lab work came back abnormal, the Veteran was ordered a CT Abdomen, which showed a pancreatic mass. The Veteran was then an inpatient and later returned home on hospice with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Most recently, he was approved for 36 hours per week of HHA respite this week in addition to his HHA hours from hospice. His son from Utah is planning to visit the Veteran in May, planning to stay about 3 weeks.

Although this is not a pleasant result for the Veteran, there are several positive takeaways. Ms. Scott served as an advocate for the Veteran in her persistent communications, identification of the illness, and prompt action to ensure the Veteran received the medical follow-up he deserved. Due to Ms. Scott’s vigilance, the Veteran was able to receive prompt diagnoses and treatment. The Veteran was able to have a biliary drain placed, decreasing his abdominal pressure, and he was given proper doses of medication to treat his pain. Ms. Scott’s actions serve as a powerful source of inspiration, exemplifying the VA ICARE values.