Citation

Sorrell JM, Durham S. J. Psychosoc. Nurs. Ment. Health Serv. 2011; 49(1): 22-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Healio)

DOI

10.3928/02793695-20101207-01

PMID

21175119

Abstract

The growth in the veterans population parallels the graying of America, accompanied by an increasing need for health care and mental health services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. With the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rising in veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the already strained mental health resources in use by veterans with persistent PTSD from previous wars, the VA mental health system is and will continue to be in overload. In addition, recent research has noted an increased incidence of dementia in veterans with PTSD. The VA's long-term care facilities cannot meet their current demands, nevermind provide support for veterans with cognitive deficits who can no longer be cared for at home. It is imperative that immediate measures be taken to strengthen resources for research, manpower, and training to accommodate the future mental health needs of our aging veterans.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; United States; Aged; Male; Incidence; Suicide; Mental Health; Suicide Prevention; Dementia; United States Department of Veterans Affairs; Veterans; Forecasting; Mental Health Services; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Health Services Needs and Demand