By Patrick Crowley,
Fisher House manager
AUGUSTA — VA Maine Healthcare System celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of the VA Maine Fisher House in February.
On Feb. 17, 2020, the Fisher House officially opened its doors and began a new chapter in improving the veteran experience at VA Maine. A Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving care at military and VA Medical Centers.
VA Maine is home to the world’s 86th Fisher House, and the 44th Fisher House in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA Maine Fisher House is more than 13,000 square feet, with 16 guest suites, each with its own private bathroom. The home features a deluxe kitchen stocked with food staples, a dining room, family room, library and state-of-the-art laundry room. The Fisher House is completely handicap accessible.
The homes provide sanctuary for veterans and their families. Nearly all of us have spent time at the bedside of a loved one and experienced the angst involved in dealing with a family medical crisis. In addition to worrying about a loved one’s health, there are the burdens of time, travel, meals, and lodging required to sustain such visits. For many, it is a heavy lift at a difficult time.
The Fisher House is located steps away from the main entrance of the medical center and provides free lodging. Because the Fisher House provides on-site accommodations, it allows family members to focus on their loved one without the burdens and distractions that can weigh them down. With other families also here, Fisher House guests find compassionate support amongst each other and often “check out with more friends than they check in with.”
The Fisher House Foundation was established in 1990 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher. Zachary Fisher was originally intent on serving his country in World War II but was medically disqualified because of a leg injury. His Plan B was to go into the real estate and construction business. After he became successful, he and Elizabeth became friends with then Chief of Staff of the US Navy Admiral Carlisle Trost, and his wife, Pauline. While discussing what he could do to assist the military and their families, it was Pauline Trost who told him of the great need for family housing for family members at the bedside of their loved ones. Fisher built the Fisher House in Bethesda, Md., in 1991. It would be the first Fisher House, but not the last.
There are now 91 Fisher Houses, which have served 400,000 families, provided 10 million lodging days and provided $525 million savings in lodging and transportation expenses.
In Maine, here is my favorite stat: 1. One veteran family served at a time of great need. Larry Oliver was a Maine citizen who proudly served his country and his local community – both as a veteran and as a police officer for a number of towns throughout Maine. Providing a place of comfort to his family in a time of need feels like a small gesture as compared to the years of service he provided all of us.
I am honored to serve as the first manager and am fully committed to ensuring this “home away from home” is run in the spirit intended by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher. I take comfort in the thought they are looking down at us with a sense of pride and satisfaction. On behalf of the great state of Maine, I want to thank them for their tremendous vision and generosity. We look forward to continuing to provide a special sanctuary to those who access medical care at VA Maine. When making your appointment, ask to put in a consult for you to stay at the VA Maine Fisher House. I look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful home.
For more info, visit the VA Maine Facebook page for a virtual tour or call 207-623-8411, Ext. 7052.
