Supporting the Health of Australian Veterans

 Introduction

The health and well-being of Australian veterans is a topic of paramount importance. With nearly 600,000 veterans in Australia, representing 2.8% of the population aged 15 years and over, understanding their unique health needs is crucial for providing effective medical care and support.

Key Statistics on Australian Veterans

• Population: As of the latest census, there are 581,139 Australians who have served or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This includes 496,276 former serving members and 84,865 current serving members.
• Demographics: The largest age group among veterans is 65-74 years, with 90% of these veterans being male. Additionally, 13.4% of the veteran population are female.
• Geographical Distribution: Townsville, home to the largest Army base in the country, has the highest number of veterans (8,700) and current serving ADF members (5,500).

Health Challenges Faced by Veterans

Veterans often face unique health challenges due to their service. Common issues include:

• Mental Health: Conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety are prevalent among veterans. The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides extensive mental health support, including counselling and rehabilitation services.
• Physical Health: Injuries sustained during service can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues. The DVA offers treatment and rehabilitation programs to help veterans manage these conditions.
• Access to Healthcare: Veterans are entitled to treatment at departmental expense through the DVA Gold or White card system. These cards cover a range of medical services, ensuring veterans receive the care they need.

Support Services for Veterans

The Australian government provides a variety of support services to veterans, including:

• Pension and Compensation: Veterans may be eligible for pensions and compensation under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA), Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA), and Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988 (DRCA).
• Employment and Education: Programs are available to help veterans transition to civilian life, including employment assistance and educational opportunities.
• Community Engagement: Veterans are more likely to participate in volunteer work compared to the general population, highlighting their ongoing contributions to the community.

Suicide and Suicidality in Australian Defence Force Veterans

Increased suicidality and suicide deaths among veterans of the Australian Defence Force have gained recent prominence. A systematic scoping review identified several key findings:

• Increased Suicidality: Findings indicate increased suicidality in the veteran population, particularly during the transition out of the military.
• Mental Illness: Mental illness, especially depression and PTSD, is a significant risk factor for suicide and suicidality.
• Protective Factors: Current military service was identified as a protective factor against suicide.
• Research Gaps: Gaps were identified in understanding the relative contributions to risk from transition, psychosocial correlates, and health service utilization.

Veterans' Wellbeing Network Programs MNCLHD

The Veterans' Wellbeing Network Mid North Coast (VWNMNC) offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families. These programs include:

• Hospital and Home Visits: Wellbeing Advocates visit hospitals, homes, and aged care facilities as needed.
• Bereavement Support: Assistance during times of loss.
• Liaison Services: Coordination with local government bodies, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and other relevant organizations.
• Transitional Management: Support for discharging Australian Defence Force personnel.

Health Pathways Veterans Health Pages

The Health Pathways team has developed new Veterans Health pages to help clinicians assess and address the specific health needs of veterans. These pages include:

• Veterans’ Health Assessment
• Veteran Care Practice Management
• Guide to DVA Compensation Claim Forms
• Veteran Referral and Support
• Defence and Veteran Family Support

These pathways provide detailed information on navigating various services and programs available to veterans, including mental health support, treatment for service-related injuries, and guidance on DVA billing.

Link to Mid North Coast Local Health District

The Veterans' Wellbeing Network and the Health Pathways Veterans Health pages are both integral parts of the support system for veterans in the Mid North Coast Local Health District. The Veterans' Wellbeing Network collaborates with the Health Pathways team to ensure that veterans receive comprehensive care and support. This collaboration helps streamline access to health services, making it easier for veterans to find and utilize the resources they need.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing the health needs of Australian veterans is essential for their well-being. By providing comprehensive medical care and support services, we can honour their service and ensure they lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

For more information on veteran support services, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Census of Population and Housing: Reflecting Australia - Stories from the Census, 2021
2. Health services for the veteran community. Department of Veterans' Affairs
3. Oltvolgyi, C. G., Meurk, C., & Heffernan, E. (2024). Suicide and suicidality in Australian Defence Force veterans: A systematic scoping review. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
4. Veterans' Wellbeing Network Programs
5.  Health Pathways Veterans Health Pages

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