Supporting A Senior Veteran
There are 16.5 million veterans in the United States, 8.1 million of whom are 65 and older. Some of this population sustained injury during their time in the services, while many others experienced physical or mental trauma that continues to affect their lives.
April was Paralyzed Veterans of Americans month. It’s a time to honor and educate ourselves about the challenges and resilience of the paralyzed, disabled, and all other veterans in our community.
Supporting A Veteran In Your Life
If you have an aging veteran, it’s important to acknowledge that they may have different needs and require additional support than non-veteran loved ones. Consider the following when caring for an aging veteran.
- Help them find ways to stay active that they enjoy. Physical activity is essential with age, especially for wounded or disabled veterans who may have physical challenges that make it difficult to incorporate movement into their routine.
- Encourage them to take care of their mental health. Taking care of mental health is essential for everyone, regardless of veteran status, but veterans often have more challenges, whether it’s stress, anxiety, or insomnia, that may require professional assistance.
- Provide companionship. Being emotionally available to veterans and providing companionship is often one of the easiest ways to support them, as well as one of the most meaningful.
- Make sure they’re taking advantage of government programs and free services. Many free services and government benefits are available to veterans, especially medical benefits that may offset the cost of healthcare, medication, and caregiving.
Resources For Veterans In Mentor, Ohio
If you or a loved one is a veteran in Ohio, there are many resources available that you should take advantage of, many of which are free.
- Lake County Veterans Service Center provides services and advocacy to veterans throughout Lake County, including those in Mentor, Ohio. The organization's staff can help explain available benefits, obtain documentation, and complete forms, all for free.
- The Ohio Department of Veterans Services offers many programs and services to assist veterans with everything from education, benefits, and mental health resources. They also have a quarterly newsletter filled with updated news and events for veterans.
- The National Center for PTSD is a leading research and education center for PTSD, providing mental health assistance to those who have PTSD.
- Lifeline for Vets is part of the National Veterans Foundation. They are a non-governmental foundation following a vet-to-vet model to help veterans work through the numerous unique challenges they may face.
- National Archives is an online tool to help you locate and request your military service records that you may need to secure governmental benefits.
Veteran Care With Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels is proud to work alongside veterans in our community. Our dedicated team of at-home care professionals can help with everything from light housekeeping to medication reminders and meal preparations. Paralyzed or injured veterans can also get help with personal grooming, dressing, bathing, and toileting. Whatever clients need to help them remain happy, safe, and comfortable at home, our team will do their best to help.
Veterans throughout Northeast Ohio can contact our Mentor office to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how at-home care services can benefit you.