CELEBRATING VETERANS' CAREGIVERS WITH A HIGH FIVE
When a veteran needs help, the first person he or she usually turns to is family. A spouse, children, or parents can play such big roles in the lives of veterans when life is difficult because of illness.
As we celebrate Veterans Day in September, we honor the service our veterans have given to our nation over the years. But we also widen our embrace to include their families, and especially those who care for vets when they are ill.
VETERANS' CAREGIVERS STUDY
The National Alliance for Caregiving recently did a study, underwritten by UnitedHealth Foundation. The study found that caregivers for veterans will spend twice as long in that role than other caregivers. Managing physical conditions often brings with it emotional problems for the caregiver as well. That causes higher stress levels (88 percent) to veterans' caregivers as well as depression (63 percent) than typical caregivers.
Most such caregivers are women, although parents may care for adult children who are injured veterans. The study found that mental health conditions like depression or anxiety were most prevalent (70 percent), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is next (60 percent), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) makes up 29 percent.
The Elder & Disability Law Firm salutes veterans and their families in the Inland Empire. Please contact us if we can help you with Estate Planning or Elder Law.