Caring for Veterans To have a better understanding of military culture and how war time experience affects a veteran. Learn ways to provide care for veterans who are ill and or facing end of life. Discover ways to recognize an honor veterans for their service to help them feel appreciated. Over 9 million Veterans are over the age of 65 Over 7.8 million are from the Vietnam era 2.8 million served during the Korean War 2.6 Million served during WWII 1
Military experience plays a role the branch of service, rank, the job you had. Time of their service, during a time of conflict or peace time, whether one was engaged in or was exposed to combat. Every veteran is an individual person, but there is a culture that was developed, a mind set that was needed to defend the country. Used tactics to create a unified team oriented fighting force Taught control, to be a perfectionist Environment fostered camaraderie Taught to be your brother s keeper Occurs at an impressionable age A survival instinct necessary in battle Stoic is defined as showing indifference to joy, grief or pleasure or pain. Stoicism has three components: Pride Control Independence Battle Ready 2
Long term impact can be hard for some veterans. Many have sustained emotional, mental social and moral injuries that can cause suffering especially if submerged in unconsciousness. Flag pole at Hickam, AFB Hawaii on Dec. 7 th 1941 and today. Glamorized and referred to as the last patriotic war. No television coverage No tours, the soldiers were in the war for the duration Heroes welcome Rarely talked about War time experience 1.2 million remaining WW II Veterans 3
Referred to as the forgotten war Receive a luke warm reception when coming home Country s focus was on growing prosperity 3.5 million remaining Korean War veterans 4
First war publicized by television Many in the country were at odds with the war and politics behind it. Soldiers were required to do one year tour of duties Guerilla style warfare was introduced 7 million remaining Vietnam veterans Considered a brief and successful military operations Few deaths and injuries and deaths of US troops 110,000 Gulf War Veterans. 5
Opportunity to connect with the person you are caring for. Having knowledge will make a better connection Many veterans have many untold stories about their war experiences. Veterans experience most of the same diseases that impact non-veterans related to the aging process. The VA has assumed that certain diseases can be related to military service. Noise Exposure-Hearing loss or Tinnitus Radiation-Risk Activity- A variety of cancers, Leukemia and Lymphomas Cold Injuries- Skin cancer in frostbite scars, Neurologic injury, Vascular injuries Occupational Hazards- exposure to chemicals, paints, machinery etc. 6
Noise Exposure-Hearing loss or Tinnitus Cold Injuries- Skin cancer in frostbite scars, Neurologic injury, Vascular injuries Occupational Hazards- exposure to chemicals, paints, machinery etc. Agent Orange- Leukemias, Diabetes, Hodgkin s Disease, Parkinson s Disease, respiratory cancers. Hepatitis C Noise Exposure-Hearing loss or Tinnitus Occupational Hazards- exposure to chemicals, paints, machinery etc. Exposure to oil well fires, smoke, petroleum Unexplained illness such as include fatigue, headaches, joint pain, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, respiratory disorders, and memory problems and fibromyalgia Higher Risk to ALS 7
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to one or more terrifying events that threatened or caused grave physical harm (to self or other). 12% of WWII and Korean War still experience symptoms 1 in 3 Vietnam Veterans A seven year study by Department of Defense and the National Institute on Aging found that veterans diagnosed with PTSD were nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer s disease or dementia as they age than veterans without PTSD. Appear in older combat veterans who functioned successfully since their military experience Exhibit increased thoughts and dreams about the war, stronger reaction to daily stressors Correlated with concerns about retirement, health decline and bereavement 8
A way to start a conversation Where you in the service? If so, which branch? Then, thank them for serving our country. Express interest in their experiences and invite them to share their stories. 9
Recognize & pay tribute to our veterans for their service Encourage Veterans to share their experiences and stories Provide an opportunity to be reunited with other service personnel Promote camaraderie among residents living in ALF s SNF s Facilitate the creation of a legacy The Veteran s bedside Peaceful setting Facility room (activity room, fellowship hall, community center or a meeting room) Location that is handicap accessible During military holidays Memorial Day Veteran s Day Armed Forces Day Labor Day Pearl Harbor Day 10
Purpose is to publically acknowledge the military service and sacrifices made by the Veteran and his/her family. The ceremony gives an opportunity for each Veteran to share part of his or her story. By doing so, a sense of meaning and purpose can be gained by the Veteran. Schedule for holiday Send invites to family, facility residents (when applicable), staff, other veterans, etc. Film when possible to create a memory for the family by providing a DVD Arrange for active duty military personnel to attend Have label pins made to reflect Senior Helpers or purchase bulk pins with flag motif Print certificates with name, branch of service, and years served Place patriotic decorations in space, a flag in the space would be great If available, put photos or other memorabilia's of the Veterans around the flag Play patriotic music 11
Show military certs Introduce self, thank facility, introduce active military personnel Play the National Anthem Read an inspirational reading (What is a Veteran) Acknowledge the Veteran s service to the country Ask them to share any stories Thank them Present certificate and ask if you can place a pin on their shirt for them Mr/Ms. Veteran we want to thank you for your service to our nation. We thank you for the sacrifices you made and your willingness to risk your life to maintain freedom. On behalf of the Senior Helpers staff, the VA and xxx (facility) please accept our thanks and our gratitude. When you see this pin, know that your service to the nation is deeply appreciated. We thank you. 12
Resource We Honor Veterans campaign Military History Checklist Educational materials Outreach resources Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran data Veterans Health Administration locations Veterans Benefits National Cemetery Administration National Center for PTSD Website www.wehonor.veterans.org Email: Veterans@nhpco.org www.va.gov www.va.gov/vetdata www.va.gov/directory/guide www.vba.va.gov www.cem.va.gov www.ptsd.va.gov 13