Veteran Services

Envigor recognises the special needs of veterans is based on evidence supporting:

• The rapid ageing of the veteran population
• Their service sacrifice and hardship and
• Their unique cultural identity

Veterans often identify themselves as separate or different from the general community in which they live. Culture profoundly affects the way we feel about ourselves, gives purpose and provides the essential characteristics and character for the group and the individuals involved.  Veterans often experience these cultural influences. They affect the way they choose to live, the choices they make about their health and their experience of health services. These cultural aspects of their lives also affect their families and their experiences of the world.  It is essential to ensure that veterans can express their special cultural needs, that carers understand some of those needs and that effective care may require the development of policies and services that are based on a health promoting perspective, also a self determining one for the veterans. It is important to give back some autonomy to this special group in a time of vulnerability and dependence.

Culturally the veteran population is characterized by high membership of veteran social groups and its participation in commemorative activities such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.  Envigor is aware of the importance of these activities to the veteran and of the need for assistance to access with the increased frailty of ageing.

Veterans have higher rates of health risk behavior than the general population due to;

• Lack of exercise
• Obesity  and
• Long term use of cigarettes and alcohol

The DVA-veteran population is older and ageing faster than the general population. They are more likely to experience short or long term illness, cancer or diseases of the digestive, nervous, circulatory and musculo-skeletal systems. Mental health problems are apparent in more than 25% of veterans, with approximately 50% of those accepted as due to military service. (DVA report Veterans need for Aged care Services 2011)

War-related memories may have a negative impact on veterans experiencing dementia.  Envigor adopts an individual and flexible approach for veterans with the philosophy of “caring for those who gave so much” in gratitude to the veterans and war widows who gave so much for their country.

Envigor is a Department of Veteran Affairs Community Nursing provider and liaises with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure staff receive training in issues relevant to care of our veteran community covering such issues as recognition of their service to our country; awareness of the high rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression; and recognition of the personal hardship they have suffered. This is particularly pertinent for dementia residents with war-related memories. Care plans are devised to address these needs and carers are trained to consider the person’s history when managing challenging behaviors or emotional episodes. We recognise that we will see more of the widows of the veterans needing services in the future and identifying and supporting grief and loss will become embedded in our caring.

Envigor’s model of care which includes ‘the stay home stay safe’ program, ease and equality of access and commitment to personalised care is tailored to meet these unique needs. We know our veterans, their history, hopes, fears, dreams and passions. Envigor maintains links with the Veteran Community through various ex–service representative groups and clubs in the community (eg Legacy, Veterans Sub Branch, RSL, etc). We currently successfully deliver CACPs to veterans and are confident of our continued, expert delivery of care.