Veteran’s Elderly Care
Depression can affect anyone at any time. In fact, an estimated 1 in 10 Americans are dealing with some level of depression right now (Healthline). When it comes to veterans, depression can be an increased risk factor because of their time of service and things they might’ve seen or had to do during it. For aging veterans, home care can be a great way to help them overcome depression they may be experiencing due to their age, diminishing health, physical limitations, and other challenges they are facing.
Never underestimate the impact depression can have.
At the moment, suicide is a serious problem among veterans, especially those who have returned from active combat. Many of these soldiers experience post-traumatic stress disorder, especially when they were in a direct combat environment. For aging seniors, depression is no less damaging emotionally.
It’s important that any family member or friend of an elderly veteran pay attention to their emotional health and well-being and address concerns they may have as soon as they realize something is amiss. Passing it off as just a ‘phase’ is going to be doing a disservice to the senior veteran.
Some veterans have a difficult time asking for or accepting help from family members or friends. That’s why a professional home care aide can be such an asset in these situations. Sit down and discuss the prospect of hiring home care services to help out. If the elderly veteran claims he can’t afford that level of assistance and he served during an active time of combat, such as World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam Conflict, for example, that he may very well qualify for a pension known as the Aid and Attendance Benefit.
This can help pay for home care provided by professional home care aides through agencies, though some veterans prefer to have family members take care of them.
So how can home care help in the fight against depression?
Offering companionship and encouraging elderly veterans to stay active and do things they enjoy is one of the most important factors in helping them overcome some of the depression they may experience.
Companionship alone isn’t always enough to help somebody get through depression, but it can open up avenues to explore. Having conversations, discussing things the veteran used to enjoy, and talking about certain interests they may have now can all begin the process of improving the quality of life for that individual. That can help them in innumerable ways and the family members or friends who get them on this path can be the unsung heroes in their life.
For more information and to learn about veteran’s elderly care, contact Veteran’s Home Care at (888) 314-6075.
