Veteran Care Services

According to the census, nearly half of all veterans in the United States are 65 years or older. Veterans from the Vietnam era are retiring, and many are seeking additional services to help ease the aging process. At Visiting Angels, we’re dedicated to helping all seniors, but we especially enjoy assisting those who have spent their lives contributing to the safety of our country.

Common Conditions Affecting Veterans

Aging comes with challenges, but aging as a veteran may present unique obstacles. While conditions like chronic pain, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder don’t only affect veterans, aging veterans are more likely to develop these conditions, adding to the assistance one may need as they get older. 

Chronic Pain

Veterans are more likely to experience chronic pain than nonveterans, according to the National Center for Complementary Integrative Health. Chronic pain is persistent pain anywhere in the body that lasts at least three months. People may experience mild or severe pain, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks like cleaning your home, dressing, and bathing. 

Whether you’re suffering from the occasional back pain or severe discomfort, caregivers with Visiting Angels can help with tasks that may be too challenging for you to complete. Our caregivers can also provide personal care services to assist with mobility, grooming, dressing, toileting, and showering. 

Depression

According to Veteran Affairs, about 11 percent of veterans have elevated rates of depression. Depression is a mood disorder that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions. There are different types of depression, but a common symptom among many types is the disinterest in activities.

Caregivers with Visiting Angels are not mental health experts who can treat depression, but they can ensure seniors live in clean homes, have food to eat, and take care of their hygiene. They also regularly check on clients and can ask medical professionals if a client’s depression requires medical attention.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after a person experiences trauma. Anyone can develop PTSD, but unfortunately, many veterans are subjected to trauma, making it a common condition among veterans.

Like depression and chronic pain, PTSD can make caring for yourself and your home challenging. Caregivers can take some of the stress away from caring for themselves by assisting with nonmedical tasks so they can focus on their mental health. 

Resources For Veterans In Ravenna

If you’re a veteran in Ravenna, you have resources available to help you live your best quality of life. A few local resources worth checking out include: 

• Portage County Veteran Services: Veterans seeking assistance with basic life necessities such as food or shelter can seek help at the Portage County Veteran Services office. 
• Ravenna VA Clinic: This is an outpatient clinic where veterans can receive primary and specialty care, including mental health, women’s health, nutrition counseling, and laboratory services.
• Ohio Department of Veteran Services: The Ohio VA Department has many helpful resources for jobs, education, and benefits. You can also find local VA events and articles to help you navigate life after service.

Veteran Care Services With Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is a locally owned home care agency assisting seniors with compassionate home care services. We understand that veteran clients may face specific challenges as they age, whether physical or mental, and our caregivers are available to ensure clients are safe and comfortable at home. 

We provide various service types, from companion care to fall prevention, whatever you need to live with dignity. Regardless of your care, our caregivers can help with nonmedical tasks like light housekeeping, meal preparations, transportation, mobility, and medication reminders. 

Visiting Angels is dedicated to providing essential at-home care to seniors and families throughout Portage County. If you’d like to learn more about our services or how they can fit into your life, please send us a message. A team member will contact you and help schedule a complimentary consultation if you feel professional caregiving is the right service for you or an aging veteran in your life.