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How Can You Help the Veterans in Your Life?
In many ways, military service members and veterans make up the backbone of the United States. Not only do service members keep the country safe, but they often put their own well-being at risk to do so.
With such a difficult yet important job, veterans deserve appreciation. So, if you’re wondering how you can help the service members and veterans in your life but you’re not sure how, here are some ideas presented by Ferguson & Ferguson.
Home Modification
It’s not uncommon for ex-military members to experience ongoing medical issues or mental health problems. Therefore, there’s a chance their home will no longer be appropriate for their needs.
Some common health issues experienced by veterans include:
- Depression
- Substance use issues
- PTSD
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chronic pain
If an ex-military service member experiences a brain injury or chronic pain, their mobility may be inhibited. Therefore, modifications such as stairlifts or single-floor living might be advisable.
Alternatively, if someone is experiencing mental health issues, repainting the walls with bright colors or moving to an area surrounded by greenery could be beneficial.
Your loved one might also be eligible for a VA loan. VA loans enable veterans to purchase a new home without putting any initial money down or paying for mortgage insurance.
Encourage Them to Retrain
Often, service members join the military at a young age before earning a degree or training for any other roles. And, while the military offers them a great career path, once they leave, they may need to retrain.
So, if one of your loved ones is an ex-military service member, why not encourage them to go back to school and earn their bachelor’s degree? Whether they want to learn about accounting or financing, for example, there are plenty of online courses that help people develop keen business acumen.
Some veterans may also be eligible for additional assistance. Programs such as the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program provide excellent support for those who wish to return to education.
However, before being approved, veterans must prove they are:
- Being aged between 22 and 66
- Are not prevented from working due to disability
- Are not part of any federal or state job programs
Help Them Access Counseling
Regardless of whether they’ve been diagnosed with a mental disorder or not, counseling is invaluable to veterans as it allows them to process their experiences and emotions.
Sometimes, veterans are reluctant to accept mental health help, so as a caring friend or relative, it could be a good idea to help them find a counselor in Huntsville, Alabama. However, remember that health concerns can be a sensitive topic for some people, so always approach the conversation with caution and compassion.
Reconnect
If you want to help a veteran in your life, modifying their home, seeking specialist counseling, and helping them retrain are excellent options. However, the most important thing is to remind them to reconnect with their friends and family to build a strong support network.
Seek Legal Assistance
For veterans who have been injured or mentally impacted by their job, seeking legal assistance could be a great way to help them feel a sense of justice.
So, if you think a veteran in your life could benefit from legal advice in Huntsville, call Ferguson & Ferguson today.