Well-Being and Service Use Among Veterans’ Caregiver-Survivors
Author Information
Author(s): Bouldin Erin, Munoz Richard, Trivedi Ranak, Leykum Luci, Hansen Jared, Dang Stuti
Primary Institution: University of Utah
Hypothesis
What is the well-being and service use among family caregivers of Veterans who have recently died?
Conclusion
Caregiver-survivors of Veterans experience poorer physical and mental health-related quality of life, and most do not utilize formal support services after the Veteran's death.
Supporting Evidence
- 20.1% of caregiver-survivors completed the survey.
- 14% screened positive for anxiety and 15% for depressive symptoms.
- 67% had poorer physical health-related quality of life.
- 85% had poorer mental health-related quality of life.
- 10% used a bereavement support group.
- 7% used counseling/therapy.
- 2% used a caregiver support group or VA bereavement services.
- 20% were unaware of available services but would have liked to use them.
Takeaway
When Veterans die, their family caregivers often feel sad and anxious, but many don't know about or use the help available to them.
Methodology
Surveys were sent to caregivers of Veterans who had died, assessing their anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Limitations
The study may not represent all caregiver-survivors as the sample size was limited to those who completed the survey.
Participant Demographics
Caregivers of Veterans who had died 3-18 months prior to the survey.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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