Identify-Assess-Support: Serving Veterans and their Caregivers in Home Care

Understanding the long-term effects of military service on veterans, their families, and their caregivers is important as advances in medical care have resulted in service members surviving more complex injuries. Approximately 14.3 million people in the U.S. are serving, in some capacity, as a caregiver to a veteran. In this role, caregivers face both rewards and challenges. Increasing awareness about veterans' healthcare needs, as well as the growing needs of those who care for them, is crucial for promoting the best possible health outcomes. This article provides an overview of common exposures and health risks those serving in the military may experience, as well as service-connected injuries that often lead to needing caregiver support. A guided framework, structured around the sequential concepts of identify-assess support, is introduced to assist home care clinicians in delivering culturally appropriate care that improves outcomes for veterans and their caregivers. Resources for caregivers and clinicians are offered, along with recommendations for future research in this area.