Veterans’ needs in aged care: Final report

Abstract: This research was undertaken to identify and synthesise existing research on older veterans, and their families’ experiences and needs in aged care. The project was commissioned to inform any future improvements to the way aged care is delivered to veterans and to identify gaps in understanding of the needs of older veterans and their families in aged care settings. A structured search of major research databases was conducted to produce a landscape overview of the available research. Key research questions addressed the needs and experiences of veterans and their families in aged care and comparisons of needs to those who did not serve. Included articles focused on original research specific to veterans’ needs. There was a particular focus placed on the issues of dementia and other cognitive decline in veterans, the effects of trauma and PTSD in later life, and elder abuse. The studies identified were focused on veteran experiences in a range of countries including a minority specifically about Australian veteran experiences. Several opportunities for improving veteran outcomes were identified, with a strong emphasis on awareness of trauma and military/veteran culture and the way that military service impacts on these experiences. Limitations of the review include that only a relatively small amount of research on the experiences of older veterans was found.