Rob Heiler - Canandaigua VA Adult Day Health Care

Posted on Nov 11, 2015

Pat VerPlank proudly introduced us to Rob Heiler from the Canandaigua VA. He currently runs the Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) program there. Pat met Rob when Elmer joined that program last year. Rob is a 5 year US Navy veteran and has been with the VA for 19 years. He came today to tell us a little about the ADHC program.

After 14 years with the VA in Bath, Rob came to Canandaigua about 5 years ago. At Canandaigua he started out in charge of the Mobile ADHC. Through that program, VA reps go to Penn Yan, Geneva, Webster, and Greece. Veterans come to those locations for social activities. A year and a half ago, Rob was put in charge of the recreation program at one of the nursing homes. The decision was made to expand that program and include the ADHC.

At ADHC, veterans enjoy varied programs and have lunch. It is a social program, so mainly they play games, discuss current events, and enjoy each others’ company. It gives the veterans something to do with their free time, but it also gives their caregivers some free time as well. Often times, being the caregiver can be a full-time commitment. For the most part, the veterans really enjoy the program. There is some turnover, but the regulars keep coming back.

There are four regular staff and two volunteers who help out a couple days each week. It’s a come as you wish program; some vets come at 8 and stay through lunch while others might come later and might not stay as long. Rob tries to keep the program varied. He’s had a DJ come in and play music on occasion, which is pretty popular with the veterans. Other times, home-schooled kids will come in and sing. There are programs offered in the auditorium, which the veterans can go and enjoy. They have a pool table, which is also popular among some of the vets.

To be eligible for the program, the veteran must be affiliated with the VA in some fashion. The veteran may not go in to the VA very often, but if they have a primary care provider there, they would be eligible. The program runs Monday through Friday, from 8am-3pm. More information is available from the Canandaigua VA website. Rob and the Canandaigua VA are providing many great services for our veterans, and we thank them for the support they provide.