NYAPRS Note: As the scandal of VA leadership and hospital failures continues to unfold, treating the realities for service men and women living with disabilities becomes even more prescient. Much of the time, care falls to community organizations that provide resources that complement official treatment, such as in-home and peer support, as well as services for persons aging with war-related disabilities.
Disabled Veterans Face Challenges Even After The Fighting Is Over, Says New Infographic
Digital Journal; 5/28/2014
For many of the 22 million veterans in the United States, the hardest fight comes after they complete their service, reports a new infographic released by Bay Alarm Medical, a nationwide provider of medical alert systems. Using data from medical journals, veteran’s advocacy groups, and the Veterans Administration, the infographic presents information about mental health issues, physical disabilities, homelessness, and the challenges of aging.
“Seventy-seven percent of veterans say that the general public doesn’t understand the challenges they face,” says Alan Wu, marketing manager at Bay Alarm Medical. “We hope the information contained here helps change that.”
The statistics are sobering. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects up to 30% of Vietnam Veterans and 20% of Iraq War veterans. It’s linked to a number of physical illnesses as well as drug use and increased risk of suicide. Traumatic brain injuries are also common: 50% of all injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan are brain injuries. Other physical injuries that affect battlefield veterans include hearing loss, exposure to toxic substances, and long-term neck, back, and joint pain. Physical disabilities often worsen with age.
Approximately 3.4 million veterans have a service-connected disability that affects their daily activities, and more than half need housing renovations to help them deal with their disabilities. Purple Heart Homes provides personalized renovations for these veterans. The non-profit group offers a “quality of life” solution to give veterans an injury specific, barrier-free living environment. “Our veterans fought for us. They shouldn’t have to fight for adequate health care and housing when they come home,” Wu says.
Bay Alarm Medical is partnering with Purple Heart Homes during the months of May and June. The company will donate a portion of its profits during those months to help the group help veterans. “There’s a natural connection for us,” explains Wu. “We share the mission of helping disabled adults, and senior citizens, maintain their independence and enjoy all the benefits of aging at home.”