Understanding the emotional and practical support needs of family care-partners of Veterans to promote well-being
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(Published version)
Date
2024
Authors
Post, D.
Parfitt, G.
Baldock, K.
Gunn, K.M.
Field, C.
Reggett, D.
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Journal article
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Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 2024; 10(2):109-121
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Abstract
Introduction: There is limited research that explores the physical and psychological well-being of family care-partners of Australian Veterans. This article expands the understanding of the well-being of this group and identifies the emotional and practical supports required, whether supports were accessible, and the impact of caring on care-partner well-being.
Methods: This mixed methods, cross-sectional research assessed physical and psychological health, health behaviours, resilience, and caregiving factors, using objective measures including the Kessler-10, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form), 12-Item Short Form Survey, Brief Resilience Scale, Mental Health Continuum, Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory, and Caregiver Reaction Scale. Semi-structured interviews helped obtain deeper insights into the lived experiences of family care-partners.
Results: A total of 103 surveys and 28 interviews were completed by family care-partners (97.1% female). The findings reflect a population with a high level of psychological distress, in the low end of normal resilience levels, and moderate mental health. The need for culturally safe services that accommodate working care-partners was identified, as was having support from people who understand the care-partner’s situation. Care-partners reported varied impacts of their caring roles on the ability to engage in day-to-day life.
Discussion: Although cross-sectional, the evidence suggests that the psychological well-being of Veteran care-partners is impacted by their caring role, with far-reaching implications for care-partners and theVeteran family unit. Commitments from government and defence organizations are required to support Veteran familyunits from recruitment, through service, deployment, transition to civilian life, in retirement, and old age. Co-designedapproaches are required to ensure access to the emotional and practical supports identified by care-partners.
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Copyright 2024 University of Toronto Press
Access Condition Notes: Accepted manuscript available on open access