Australia is falling short in supporting military veterans once they leave service—with researchers expressing concern about blinkered approaches to their care and well-being. Flinders University and La Trobe University researchers say that too much emphasis is put on psychiatric and psychological and medical interventions for , while not enough is done to ensure veterans have basics such as a home, a job and a support network. "One of the most significant challenges for our veterans is the transition process when they leave service.
This is an opportune moment to identify any challenges and put in place proper supports as they re-enter ," says Professor Ben Wadham from The Open Door Initiative. "The concern we have is that the current transition service has an overwhelming focus on traditional methods of treatment for mental health but little or no support for the other areas that contribute to quality of life. "By providing resources like housing, employment and education, as well as , we can help set them up for a healthy and happy life after service.
"If veterans leave service and have nowhere to live, no employment or no support network, this will exacerbate any mental health issues they have," he says. The study, in the , reviewed the current research and methods used to support Australian ' psychological, physical and social well-being—and the results raise serious concerns. "Many of the current programs and services for veterans haven't been designed with the vete.