While some countries make every citizen join the military at some point, the United States no longer makes service a requirement. This means that people who serve today are essentially volunteering to lay their lives on the line to protect us, and many have already done so.

This status certainly makes the people serving today worthy of respect and appreciation, and the same is true for those who have already served in the past and may need caregivers today.

The team at Accredited Home Care works with a variety of clients who have served in the military in the past. Some people’s military experience was generally positive but others had more difficult situations that caused physical, mental, or emotional trauma they’re still dealing with today.

For instance, they may have sustained physical injuries years or even decades ago in the military that are just beginning to bother them now. Or years of difficult physical conditions may have taken a toll on their bodies more than someone else in their age group who didn’t serve.

Depending on what they experienced in wartime or peacetime, they may be dealing with balance and mobility problems. They could have problems from past brain injuries or chronic pain. Those who served decades ago may have mental health challenges that have only been recently addressed or may not have been understood at the time they occurred. They may be extra sensitive to certain sounds or conditions, such as loud fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Many of the veterans we work with also have chosen to live as independently as possible. Even though they likely could qualify to move into an assistive living community or other housing available through the Veterans Administration, they have decided to commit to staying in their own home, especially with scheduled visits from a caregiver or a round-the-clock caregiver.

More support

Caregivers can offer a variety of support beyond basic care:

• Help to connect. There are plenty of benefits available to veterans and their families, but there is some degree of paperwork required. Clients may have difficulties filling out the various forms or contacting the right people to seek assistance. Although this type of work isn’t necessarily hands-on nursing, it can go a long way to helping someone’s quality of life.
• Help socializing. They may be unable to take themselves to see their friends or fellow veterans, but a caregiver might be able to provide transportation. Or, if they’re unable to leave the home, a caregiver may be able to share tips about online resources or social media.
• Help mentally. A caregiver can also offer information about support groups in the area, especially programs for veterans. Different communities also may have various rehabilitation programs especially for veterans, such as art therapy or equine therapy. Many veterans may not be aware of programs in their communities. Many of these therapies have been shown to help with PTSD, anxieties, or other common military conditions.
• Some veterans may not want to share their experiences, no matter how much time has passed. But there may be aspects of their time that are OK for them to talk about. Offering to sit down and listen could be comforting to everyone and be enjoyable for everyone. Consider recording these stories with an audio or video recorder. Family members may enjoy this keepsake containing military stories in the future.

Caregivers planning to work with a new client who has military service are also encouraged to talk with family members, loved ones, and any health provider to learn a little more about his or her’s military background and medical background. This may be able to give some guidance into what kind of conditions they may be dealing with or be aware of.

Veterans Day

One way to honor and give back to clients who have served is through Veteran’s Day. The national holiday takes place each fall and allows veterans opportunities to speak and share. For instance, some schools have Veterans Day assemblies and invite parents or grandparents who have served in any capacity and in any branch. Many restaurants also offer discounts or even free items for veterans.

This year, Veterans Day takes place on Nov. 11. The federal holiday means that most government operations are closed for the day.

Veterans Day has been celebrated in some form for years. Originally, Nov. 11 was the date of Armistice Day, which was the moment that ended World War I. President Wilson wanted American citizens to pause and reflect on the 11^th day, 11^th month, and hour.

By the 1950s, the concept had expanded to celebrate all veterans, not just World I veterans. It also extends the celebration to everyone who ever served in the American military. May is still reserved for Memorial Day which commemorates members of the military who have died.