Best Ways to Help Service members and veterans

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Guest post from Rhonda at  Getwellderly.com

Our former service members have protected our freedom and safety. However, as civilians, they often deal with unfortunate circumstances. Many return from serving and struggle to find employment or housing, while some may face several other burdens. Fortunately, there are ways you can help. Catholic Mom Vibes shares a few.

Help Them Start a Business

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that as of 2020, the veteran unemployment rate was 6.5%, an increase over previous years. If you know a service member struggling to find employment, consider helping them start a business. Discuss their ideas with them, ask them about any potential barriers, and do your best to help them overcome the obstacles. 

Assist in the Home Buying Process 

Buying a home is a long process that consists of determining a budget, finding a lender, finding a real estate agent, and searching for a home that ticks all the boxes. For a veteran who may have additional struggles to face during the process, buying a home is often more difficult. Try taking time to help a veteran navigate this complicated process.

The first step you can take is to help them check if they’re eligible for a VA loan. This loan is only available to those who served in the Air Force, Navy, or another military. Qualified applicants receive the benefits of not having to put any money down and not having to pay mortgage insurance.

Help Them Get Medical Care 

Encourage them to go to the VA for care. The VA has its own medical centers where veterans can receive care for mental and physical health issues or preventive health services. 

Offer to drive them to and from appointments. If they haven’t enrolled in VA health care coverage, you could help them do so.

Suggest a Service Dog 

Mental health issues, such as PTSD, are common among veterans. A veteran could easily feel alone, isolated, and depressed after returning home from active duty. Some veterans end up with physical impairments after serving. A service dog could help with these mental and physical issues.

Discuss with the individual if a service dog could help. If they feel a service dog could benefit them, an internet search can help you locate organizations that help provide them.

Offer to Help Around the House 

This assistance seems trivial, but help with difficult indoor or outdoor chores goes a long way, especially since not everyone can accomplish these tasks alone.

When you factor in mental health issues and stress in general, anyone can fall behind on household responsibilities and feel overwhelmed. Therefore, something as simple as offering your help and prayers can mean the world to someone. 

Help Them Find Accessible Housing

A veteran with a disability may need home modifications to live comfortably. On the other hand, it’s not always easy to find a home in general. You could help a veteran find a home or assist in the modification process if you’re skilled in home improvement.

Helping a Veteran Can Change Their World 

Veterans face unique struggles, but you can help by assisting with chores and getting them the medical care they need. You can even help them find affordable housing or make their home more livable for them. 

Rhonda is a classic example of a health scare leading to a complete lifestyle change. She hopes her site, Getwellderly.com, can encourage adults approaching their golden years to get serious about their physical health now rather than later.