Noteboom The Law Firm

Families At Ease Program Helps Veterans’ Families Communicate

January 21, 2011 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently launched their "Families At Ease" program. This program is designed to work with the family members and friends of veterans who are having a hard time and teaching those families how to encourage those veterans to get the help they need. The program is not era-specific, so any family member or friend of any veteran of any age can take advantage of what the program offers.  

Veterans who are suffering from mental health issues and refuse to get help can give concerned family members a lot of excuses for why they can't or will not seek help for their condition. On the other hand, some veterans do not even realize their need for help. In both situations, friends and family can play vital roles in getting these veterans help.

Family members are usually generally familiar with the mental health problems affecting the veteran in their life. The "Families At Ease" program teaches these family members how to play a positive and supportive role for that veteran and how to encourage them to turn to the VA for assistance. Family members are supplied with information detailing how the VA can help the veteran, and how to get that help from the VA.

For many veterans, seeing they have a strong family support system will push them to take the necessary steps to get help. This program shows family members how to talk to veterans in a positive way and provides information about available help without being pushy about getting the help. To date, the program has resulted in a 15% increase in the amount of veterans enrolling in VA care. Family members play key roles in their veterans' lives, and the "Families At Ease" program shows them how to use that influence to help their veterans.