Have You Ever Served In The Military?
One question can make a big difference…
Provide Quality Service To Aging Veterans And Their Families By:
- Helping older veterans feel understood and respected for their military service.
- Making effective referrals to military-veteran-specific programs and resources.
- Helping military widows access survivor benefits.
Why Ask The Question:
Over 48% of our NH veterans are over age 65. As a provider of services to older adults, you will encounter veterans and spouses/widows of veterans. Whether you are providing health care, financial counseling, caregiver services, residential care, or any other service for seniors, it is important to identify veterans and their family members. One question can and will make a big difference!
Ask The Question
At the point of intake, ask, "Have you or a family member ever served in the military?"
When the answer is "YES," you may consider thanking them for their service. You may also then be able to find out more about your client's military history that will help you to provide the best possible services and referrals. Asking further questions will also help you to:
- Build rapport and demonstrate interest and cultural competency
- Link to any needed military/veteran resources and referrals, including both VA and non-VA programs
- Identify any mental health and/or physical and medical issues that need to be considered
- Identify potential sources of income and assess financial stability
- Explore areas of functioning in need of support, as well as existing supports, services, and resources
- Address perceived barriers to seeking support and services
Read a vignette about how providers in Aging & Senior Services can make a difference!
Following are some questions that could be asked in the context of gathering information for more effective referrals and services. Pay attention to non-verbal cues, and show respect, curiosity, and empathy. Also be aware that responsiveness and effective follow-up are critical to building trust and rapport.
Portable Document Format (.pdf). Visit nh.gov for a list of free .pdf readers for a variety of operating systems.
- Build rapport with the parent and child and demonstrate interest and cultural competency
- Identify family supports and resources as well as needs for support not yet met
- Identify any deployment-related stressors on the child and family as well as any related behavioral, emotional, social, and academic implications for the child
- Explore deployment and reintegration challenges
- Identify any deployment-related stressors on the child and family as well as any related behavioral, emotional, social, and academic implications for the child
- Explore deployment and reintegration challenges
- Link to any needed military and veteran resources and benefits, including both VA and non-VA programs
- Identify family supports and resources as well as needs for support not yet met
- Link to any needed military and veteran resources and benefits, including both VA and non-VA programs
- Identify family supports and resources as well as needs for support not yet met
- Address perceived barriers to the child or parent(s) in seeking support
Provider Resources
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