4 Tips for Families Navigating Care for a Veteran Relative

Caring for a veteran relative requires patience, empathy, and access to the right resources. In this guide, we will discuss strategies to help you effectively support your veteran family members so that they can lead a fulfilling, memorable, and high-quality life. 

1. Provide Personalized Support

Educate yourself about your veteran’s conditions. Learning about their specific physical and mental health issues, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can help you better understand their experience and symptoms. This knowledge also makes it easier to keep things in perspective when challenges arise. 

Many veterans, especially those with PTSD, feel constantly on high alert, so you must create a supportive environment that fosters a sense of security and stability. One way to do this is by establishing a stable and predictable daily routine. This can help reduce their anxiety, as your veteran relative knows what to expect throughout the day. 

Encourage independence in your veteran family member by providing support, but avoid doing everything for them, especially things that they can still do themselves. This can help build your veteran relative’s confidence and prevent them from feeling helpless. 

Learn to identify and manage your veteran’s triggers. Work with them to determine their triggers and create a plan on how to respond during a flashback or panic attack. It is also essential that you practice good listening skills and use appropriate and respectful non-verbal cues. 

Be willing to listen attentively and without judgment if your veteran relative chooses to talk about their experiences. Avoid pressuring them to open up or minimizing what they went through. This can help build trust and demonstrate to your family member that you genuinely care for them.  

Veterans with PTSD can have issues with anger, so helping them manage their outbursts is crucial. If they become agitated, try to remain calm and give them space. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation and call other relatives for assistance.

2. Manage Administrative and Financial Complexities

The healthcare and benefits system dedicated to veterans can be overwhelming to navigate alone. Help your veteran relative understand their eligibility, gather necessary documents, assist them in completing applications, and become their advocate during interactions with relevant departments. 

If your veteran family member lives alone, ensure they are always prepared for emergencies, whether medical or otherwise. Keep a week’s worth of medications, food, and water on hand in case of an emergency. Keep essential documents easily accessible in case someone else needs to step in on your behalf. 

If your veteran relative was exposed to asbestos in army barracks​, causing them to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer, make sure to seek legal help. Reach out to a trusted lawyer who can advise you and your veteran relative on potential legal actions and guide you through the legal process. 

3. Address Physical and Practical Needs

Managing physical ailments and daily living tasks is a significant part of caregiving. Keep track of your veteran relative’s medical appointments, prescriptions, and medical records. Consider using digital tools that can help you track and manage this information. 

If they have mobility challenges, make sure that their living environment is safe, comfortable, and secure. Invest in the necessary adaptive equipment and optimize their living space to help them move around even with outside assistance. If you need to make certain adjustments in their home, explore temporary living arrangements for your veteran relative. 

Veterans struggling with stress, anxiety, or physical injuries may have trouble with daily responsibilities. Whether it's cleaning the house, laundry, yard work, or buying groceries, offer them help with their everyday chores. Accompany them to their appointments, as these sessions can be overwhelming, particularly for veterans with high anxiety. 

Take notes during these doctor visits and communicate your concern with the doctors. Establish a healthy relationship with everyone involved in your veteran’s healthcare, as they will be your partners in ensuring their overall health and well-being. 

4. Prioritize Your Own Well-Being

Caregiving can be changeling, in all aspects. Consider seeking respite care, as it can provide you with a much-needed break that helps you recharge and reset. Make time for self-care, as neglecting your own needs can lead to health problems and depression. 

Build your own support network by connecting with other veteran caregivers through verified support groups. These communities can provide a safe space to share experiences and help you find comfort in others. 

Caregiving does not mean sacrificing your own life, so you must establish healthy boundaries for yourself and your veteran relative. Communicate them to doctors, family members, your veteran, and other related individuals. Be assertive, but make sure to be respectful when discussing your boundaries. 

Endnote

Supporting your veteran relative can be both rewarding and challenging. With these valuable tips, patience, and understanding, you can help them efficiently transition to civilian life and enjoy it to the fullest.