Introduction
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), one of the building blocks of the U. S government faces a big challenge: the explosive growth of a veteran population aging rapidly. These brave men and women who once stood for the country now require innumerable healthcare and support services. The VA is now in full plan and execution for long-term quality care for these veterans. The article talks about how the VA will receive strategies for meeting the needs of aging American veterans.
The Dimension of the Dilemma: A Growing Veteran Population.
The growing number of veterans over 65 will be expected to be quite dramatic in the coming years. According to the VA, two-thirds of veterans will be 65 or older by 2027. This notifies the population that proper planning, with a short-term move toward managing growing health needs, is going to be needed.
Integrated Approach by the VA
“VA is leading a multifaceted approach to meet the needs of aged veterans.”
- Increasing Healthcare Services: Realizing the patient’s future demand, the VA is probably increasing the demands on healthcare services, including increasing the number of geriatric care specialists, and new medical facilities, as well as a greater increase in telemedicine that serves rural veterans.
- Approaching Preventive Health: The VA believes in preventive health measures for maintaining health during old age among veterans. Its services provide regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations to discover health concerns and act early.
- Community care programs: The VA also sees that not all veterans need to be in a VA facility. The VA Community Identity Care program gives such veterans access to medical services from approved providers in their areas to lift the travel load for timely care.
- Long-term care options: The VA provides varied long-term care options to veterans who require continuous care. These are home-based care, adult day health programs, and nursing homes to allow a reasonable level of independence and dignity for the veteran to receive all the care he/she may need.
- Mental Health Services: Aging certainly comes along with its emotional hardships. The VA thus intensifies its mental health services regarding the issues of anxiety, depression, and PTSD which are quite common among veterans.
The Role of Technology in Strengthening the Lives of Aging Veterans
The VA utilizes technology to render the best comfort services for aging veterans.
- Telehealth: Telehealth allows veterans to receive medical consultation as well as mental health services without personally visiting the medical facility through detailed video conferencing technology. This can do well in improving access for veterans living in rural areas or those who are unable to travel.
- Remote Patient Monitoring: VA is exploring the possibility of using remote patient monitoring devices that are designed to be used within a home to monitor vital signs and health data in elder veterans. Early identification of an impending health issue with prompt medical intervention improves the data accuracy which can also optimize cost-effectiveness.
- Digital Tools and Resources: The VA is currently developing and deploying digital tools and resources to keep veterans in charge of their own lives concerning managing their health. Education-associated tools such as medication management applications and scheduling appointments for doctors’ meetings can be a part of it.
Assistance with Advocacy and Law
Although there is much more to the VA offices, many still need the lawyers’ services through this whole legal jungle in which they define the benefits they deserve. Well, an attorney specializes in veterans’ law and can help in various areas, including:
- Filing Disability Claims: Helping veterans in filing and appealing claims for disability benefits.
- Filing Medical Care Appeals: Advocating for veterans who have been denied certain medical services through the VA.
- Long-Term Care Planning: Helping veterans manage the long-term long-care options and care they should receive.
- Upgrading Discharge: Helping obtain upgraded military discharges, which may result in additional benefits.
Conclusion: Collective Obligation
Caring for aging veterans is a collective responsibility. The VA has already set the pace in this upward movement regarding the expansion of services and the application of technology. However, veterans and their family members need legal assistance to sort out the complicated law surrounding the VA and ensure they can enjoy all their due rights. Lawyerspages.com has set up provisions for veterans to contact experienced veterans’ affairs lawyers to speak out for their rights and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.
Are you a veteran or do you know one who happens to need legal help? Contact Lawyerspages.com immediately; you will be linked to a qualified lawyer who will help navigate the convoluted VA bureaucracy to ensure you get the benefits due to you.
