After going back home from being in service for a long time, or because of illness, injuries, or mental health issues, veterans face different challenges. These include: transitioning back to everyday life, reconnecting with their loved ones, and finding a decent job. But most veterans also face the challenges of dealing with mental health issues, such as SUD (substance use disorder) or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Without help, these issues may greatly affect their capability to build a healthy/happy future and integrate into civilian life. To support veterans with these challenges, communities must team up with nonprofit organizations for veterans to help them in diverse ways.
What is the Importance of Community Support?
Veterans review different communities when they’re about to retire. When reviewing different options, every veteran wants a safer place to live, which provides everything they require. If veterans want to live independently, they may look for a community with a private apartment. If they require help, they might want a community which provides opportunities to cultivate new friendships. A good community gives veterans a comfortable place that provides nursing care to address the challenges they face. Here is how community support can help veterans:
- Provide quicker access to the medical team – In the community for veterans, every resident has quick access to a medical team. If they have medical emergencies, residents can contact the medical team on-site. These medical professionals will evaluate the resident, as well as determine whether an ambulance is required.
- More socializing opportunities – For vets, socializing is important, as it provides them with someone they can talk to whenever they are faced with challenges. Community support guarantees a few opportunities for residents to talk and socialize. They can organize social mixers, which every resident can join in.
Ways Communities Can Support Veterans.
Services that involve supporting veterans and their families are the key to ensuring they transition successfully. A very supportive community may support veterans in various ways, including the following:
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Host a Community Event.
A community-based event helps veterans share their own experiences, as well as create a connection with other members of the community. Through an event, you may raise awareness about the unique challenges which veterans face.
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Support Veterans in Getting Healthcare Services.
Non-profit organizations help drive veterans to schedule medical appointments. Some organizations also help vets to file benefits claims with the government, as well as assist them with employment, medical, and other needs.
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Help Veterans’ Organizations.
There are numerous organizations, like Wounded Warriors Family Support, which provide an outreach to former militants and their families. You can volunteer and contribute funds to support these organizations to continue serving those who have made sacrifices for the country.
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Develop Supporting Programs for Family Resilience.
In order to support the stability and resilience of veterans and their families, communities and supportive organizations can develop a few programs that help to address the unique requirements of adjusting to civilian life. These programs may include:
- Support groups – These groups provide communities for every family member to share successes, challenges, and experiences with others who already understand the situation. Experienced counselors help to facilitate these groups and give a platform for mutual support, sharing, and learning.
- Resilience building activities – This helps to recognize the stress the whole family experiences during the entire transition. It often includes activities like building memories, supporting one another, and reconnecting in supportive and relaxed settings.
- Family therapy and counseling – This provides family therapy or counseling sessions, often led by professional therapists who specialize in issues related to the military. These sessions often help families manage and address changes in dynamics, which happen when veterans return home, thus strengthening family connections and helping in solving different conflicts.
In order to bridge the gap in veterans and their families, it is important for communities to prioritize long-term investments, which ensure continuity and stability for vet programs. They can do this through developing support programs, hosting events, providing healthcare services, and supporting charity movements.