The health and service needs of older veterans: a qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: With substantial numbers of older people within the Australian veteran population continuing to age well within the community, appropriate planning of community support and health services is important for this ageing population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research study was to investigate the health and service usage of a group of older Australian war veterans who receive Australian Government support for their health-care needs and conditions. DESIGN: This paper reports on qualitative data gathered from the longitudinal MELSHA study. Utilizing thematic analysis and the theoretical framework of locus of control, this article reports on 25 qualitative interviews of veterans and their widows about their DVA-related health and service usage. RESULTS: Participants within this study were determined to maintain a sense of control and independence in relation to their living circumstances and service usage. In doing so, they attempted to maintain their current community living circumstances and independence while minimizing their utilization of services and perceived 'burden' on family members and friends. Participants accepted that a decline in health status was inevitable, but engaged in a number of different strategies to maintain their current way of life for as long as possible. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: Participants, while valuing an internal locus of control, generally engaged in an integrative locus of control to maintain a sense of control and independence in their daily lives. In addition, participants were very grateful of the services provided by the DVA and acknowledged their role in maintaining their independence within the community.