The Pandemic and PTSD: Helping Vets Weather the Storm

Currently, over half the U.S. veteran population is receiving care outside of the Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS), including in skilled nursing facilities and other post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings. Because of this, all health care providers need to be prepared to meet the unique needs of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is especially pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic, when residents are isolated, not seeing families and other sources of support and personal interaction, and are thrust into an unfamiliar landscape where people are wearing masks and other PPE. An AMDA webinar scheduled for November 11, Caring for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, will provide guidance, tips, and best practices to care for vets with PTSD, including those with dementia or other cognitive impairment.

Presenter Jolene Cannady, DNP, RN, AGPCNP-C, says, “Isolation contributes to PTSD, especially when our residents don’t have the support and familiar faces they’re used to seeing. That can trigger more stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems.” At the same time, loud noises and changes such as being moved to a different room or unit can cause agitation and trigger behaviors.

In the webinar, Dr. Cannady will present an overview of PTSD in veterans, including those with dementia. She’ll address the specific exposures and backgrounds of the older veteran population, how to screen for and treat PTSD in vets, and the resources available to help care for these individuals.

“I want webinar participants to understand the unique PTSD-related issues veterans experience,” Cannady says. She always asks a new patient/resident if he or she is a veteran, and she encourages other practitioners to do this same. “This helps me understand these individuals, some of the exposures they’ve had, and what their triggers might be.” She stresses that different generations of veterans have different experiences, and they should be approached accordingly. For instance, she says, “World War II vets are quieter and more hesitant to talk about their emotions, while Vietnam vets are more vocal and willing to share their experiences and feelings.”

Dr. Cannady will talk about some of the challenges of providing PTSD care to vets during the pandemic. For instance, she says, “Animal/pet therapy is very popular, and it’s hard for people with animals to come in for visits right now.” For residents who count on and look forward to these interactions, this can have a real impact on their mental health and well-being. Dr. Cannady notes that alternatives such as outside pet parades, petting a horse or other animal through a window, and the use of robotic animals can be helpful.

Telehealth is an option to provide therapy services and counseling for vets with PTSD. However, Dr. Cannady notes, “This isn’t necessarily effective with every person. Some vets love it, and some don’t like it at all. You have to weigh the benefits on a case-by-case basis.”

As always, this webinar is free for AMDA members. Get more information and register.