Coming home from a war is a serious ordeal, and though veterans’ services exist throughout the United States, there are several areas where veterans’ support needs critical improvement. Too often, war veterans return with mental health issues that are never addressed, have difficulty finding jobs or paying for higher education, and miss out on the financial benefits that promised to them. Without adequate veterans’ support services, these individuals are at a higher risk of facing serious mental illness and even suicide. Better funding and assistance are necessary to improve veterans’ support services in the following areas. Transition Support
Transitioning from a war filled with violence, intense situations, and death to everyday life is no easy task. Transition support is necessary to provide veterans with the skills and opportunities they need to return to their lives. It is often difficult for veterans to find jobs, fit in with their families and friends, and work through their painful memories. More and more veterans are now homeless and jobless, struggling to find their way in life after returning home, and current efforts from federal agencies are not adequate to provide for these individuals' needs during their transition period. An increase in funding and government-implemented transition programs is necessary to create a viable home life for veterans. Mental Health Services It is becoming increasingly common for veterans to experience mental illnesses, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, after returning from combat. Further, many members of the military enter the service with existing mental illnesses, and after the stress and difficulties they faced in combat, they return home with even worse symptoms. Though mental health services have received attention in the past, more emphasis must be placed on crisis intervention and mental health assistance for our veterans. Housing Assistance Too many veterans become homeless just a few years after leaving the military. Homelessness could result from mental illness, the inability to find a job, or a lack of family support. Current housing assistance for veterans falls short of adequately providing for the needs of those who are at risk of becoming homeless. Though some veterans can find temporary housing in homeless shelters, veterans with children often struggle to find shelters that will take in their kids. Many housing solutions are temporary, and long-term veterans’ support is needed to keep these men and women off the streets and provide them with a safe, stable place to live. Disability Aid Many veterans injured in combat face life-long physical disabilities as a result of those injuries. Though disability assistance does exist, many veterans are required to wait months or years to receive the monetary compensation they were promised, and in the meantime, their physical ailments continue to worsen. Funding and assistance for veterans with disabilities must be improved to better care for the brave men and women who risked their lives for the safety of our nation. Hospice of the Golden Isles partners with We Honor Veterans to provide comfort and care for veterans at the end of their lives. Call us today at 912.265.4735 to learn more about our veterans’ support services and how you can help veterans in need. If you have a serious, chronic illness, it may be time to look into palliative care. Palliative care offers patients with serious illnesses an avenue to improve their quality of life. Though there is a misconception that palliative care starts at the end of a person’s life, it is more beneficial to start as close to your diagnosis as possible. Because every patient’s needs are different, palliative care looks different for every patient. Care may include services from physicians, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains, and more. However, there are several core services we provide for every patient, regardless of their diagnoses. Coordination of Care Palliative care always begins with a serious discussion about your care needs. A care team consists of medical professionals suited to treat your specific symptoms and provide a holistic approach to your health. Many of our patient's needs are met through physical therapy, a specific pharmaceutical regimen, the assistance of a medical social worker, services for their family, and more. Each palliative care team is carefully selected to best suit the patient and their family member’s needs. Treatment of Physical and Psychological Symptoms Though many chronic illnesses involve primarily physical symptoms, individuals with these illnesses often experience psychological distress as well. Adapting to a lifestyle that includes new limitations and medical concerns is often stressful. Palliative care focuses on the assessment and treatment of both physical and psychological symptoms. Our care team includes physicians and psychologists and also connects family members to grief or bereavement services. Both physical and psychological services are necessary to improve the patient’s day-to-day functioning and provide a holistic approach to their care. Support for Spiritual Distress Spirituality is a huge component of many people's lives, especially when faced with a serious illness. Viewing life from a spiritual perspective can provide comfort and peace. Our palliative care team will address your spiritual concerns by first assessing your need and then linking you to resources like a clergy member, church, or even a community of other individuals with chronic illnesses. Your spirituality and mental health often go hand in hand, and addressing your spiritual needs plays a significant role in improving your mindset. Clear Communication and Goals Sometimes being diagnosed with a chronic illness can feel like a death sentence. Developing goals and a clear line of communication with your care team can go a long way in improving your quality of life. Creating care goals gives you back some control over your health, giving you the confidence that you need to manage your hospice plans. Similarly, each palliative care team works to clearly communicate your prognosis, any updates to your condition, and treatment options available to you. Though facing a long-term illness can be scary, palliative care allows you and your family members to receive the best services to increase the quality of your life. Contact Hospice of the Golden Isle at 912.265.4735 today to learn more about our palliative care services. |
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