As the veteran population in the United States continues to age, it’s important to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by our elderly veterans. Aging in place, which is the ability to live independently and comfortably in one’s own home and community, is a goal shared by many seniors, including veterans.
However, this goal comes with its own set of challenges that seniors and their caregivers should be aware of.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the specific obstacles our veteran seniors face, provide practical advice to help overcome these obstacles, as well as discuss the significant role that caregivers play in our veteran senior’s desire to age in place.
The Aging Population of Our Veterans
According to the United States Census Bureau report, Aging Veterans: America’s Veteran Population in Later Life, nearly one-half (49%) of all veterans in the United States were 65 years or older. While 1 in 4 is 70 to 79 years old, and 3 in 4 are at least 50 years old.
The author, Jonathan Vespa, states that while we might have an image of veterans as young men and women that served in the Global War on Terror, the reality is that the historical wars that the United States fought in Europe and Asia account for a substantial portion of today’s veteran population. Moreover, according to the study, veterans in general, irrespective of their age, were more likely to have characteristics of isolation when compared to nonveterans.
Addressing the Distinct Challenges of Our Aging Heroes
While both civilian seniors and veteran seniors may experience some common difficulties as they age, veteran seniors often encounter unique challenges stemming from their military service. The extent of these challenges can vary depending on factors like combat exposure, service-related injuries or disabilities, and mental health issues.
From Service to Solitude
Like the general elderly population, major life transitions in later years - such as retirement, loss of spouse/friends, and decreasing mobility - can disrupt social ties and support structures for aging veterans. However, they also contend with unique factors that compound this loneliness epidemic.
The psychological impacts of wartime service, including post-traumatic stress, survivor's guilt, substance abuse issues, and brain trauma, make it extremely difficult for some elderly veterans to initiate and maintain meaningful connections as civilians. Conditions like depression and anxiety further insulate them socially.
Geographic isolation is another major contributor. Many retiring veterans relocate away from military bases and communities where they had built-in camaraderie and shared experiences. Now living far from those support networks, elderly veterans can struggle to integrate into new locales without that bond of service.
Those who remain homebound due to disabilities or lack of transportation essentially become imprisoned by their own isolation. Accessing community resources, social activities, or even basic healthcare grows extremely challenging without assistance getting out.
Bearing the Burdens of Service
The demanding conditions of military service, especially in times of combat, can take an immense toll on the body and mind over the long-term. As veterans reach older ages, these burdens become increasingly evident and debilitating.
Physically, elderly veterans experience higher rates of chronic pain, limited mobility, and functional impairment from service-connected disabilities and injuries. Conditions like musculoskeletal problems, hearing/vision loss, and cardiovascular disease severely impact their quality of life and independence. Even routine tasks become major challenges.
Mental health is also a particular struggle. Elderly veterans receiving VA care have elevated risks for psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse issues, and most alarmingly - PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from their time in the military. These can lead to cognitive decline, behavioral problems, and a heightened risk of dementia or suicide.
The compounding effects of physical and mental ailments in elderly veterans create a perfect storm. Their disabilities restrict their ability to care for themselves and remain active. Chronic diseases further drain their vitality. And psychological burdens like PTSD and TBI make coping with it all exponentially more difficult without proper treatment.
Financial Insecurity and Instability
Financial insecurity is another concern for elderly veterans. While social security, Medicare, and pension benefits provide some support, many seniors who have served live on fixed incomes. A significant number of elderly veterans—some 540,000 according to 2021 data from the US census Bureau— live below the poverty level, with limited savings and home equity to fall back on in emergencies.
As the senior population continues to grow, there is also an increased need for better housing, healthcare services, and caregiver support to ensure the financial security of elderly veterans.
Navigating the Complexity of Benefits
Accessing benefits and services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be an arduous process, especially for aging veterans. The VA system is a large bureaucracy with multiple regional offices, healthcare facilities, and benefit programs that require extensive documentation and follow-up.
For elderly veterans, navigating this complex system presents extra hurdles. Many are not as technologically savvy as younger generations, making it difficult to access online resources, submit claims digitally, or use the VA's patient portals. Age can also bring mobility limitations that make traveling to VA facilities for in-person appointments challenging.
In-Home Care for Aging Service Members
For elderly veterans hoping to age in place and maintain their independence, in-home caregivers can provide invaluable assistance across multiple facets of daily life. One critical role is supporting basic activities and personal care tasks that may become increasingly difficult due to limited mobility, injuries or failing health.
Caregivers can help veterans bathe, dress, transfer from bed to chair, and perform other essential routines while preserving their dignity.
Keeping Connected and In Touch
In-home care also helps aging veterans remain integrated in their communities. Caregivers provide transportation to medical appointments, therapy sessions, social gatherings, shopping trips and more. This access prevents isolation and ensures veterans can continue receiving proper healthcare and social fulfillment.
Caregivers also assist with coordinating the complexities of the VA bureaucracy - filling out paperwork, applying for earned benefits, scheduling appointments and being an advocate.
Health Management Assistance
Another vital caregiving role is health management. This includes medication reminders and administration, preparing meals tailored to dietary needs, monitoring condition changes, and facilitating communication with medical providers.
For veterans dealing with issues like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries or substance abuse, caregivers with specialized training can implement personalized therapeutic techniques and connect them with targeted resources.
Beyond Care, Companionship
Quality in-home care provides more than just physical assistance. Caregivers offer companionship, mental stimulation and emotional support through conversation, activities, and helping veterans maintain social ties. This intangible care can be just as crucial in promoting overall well-being and staving off depression, anxiety or cognitive decline for aging veterans.
Caregivers become indispensable partners for elderly veterans navigating the transition of aging while upholding their independence, health and connection to communities they served. The roles of the in-home caregiver enhance the safety, daily functioning and quality of life during this transition phase for aging veterans.