The Department of Veterans' Affairs commissioned the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) to identify and synthesise existing research on older veterans, and their families’ experiences and needs in aged care. The project was commissioned to inform any future improvements to the way aged care is delivered to veterans and to identify gaps in understanding of the needs of older veterans and their families in aged care settings.

Self-managing physical activity can be challenging and programs that help DVA clients to manage their own physical activity regimes are needed. This project developed and trialled a new physical activity support program for DVA clients called Active Choices

DVA funded a four-year research trial through La Trobe University, in partnership with the Centre for Service and Therapy Dogs Australia (CSTDA), to provide detailed guidance and evidence to support best practice in the use of psychiatric assistance dogs for veterans with PTSD. Evolution Research were engaged to conduct the independent evaluation of the Trial.

The Trial’s objective was to train, allocate and monitor assistance dogs as an adjunct to evidence-based treatment for veterans with PTSD, to determine the following outcomes: 

• the clinical utility of using specifically-trained assistance dogs as an adjunct to evidence-based treatment for PTSD in a veteran population; 
• the benefits of specifically-trained assistance dogs used by veterans with PTSD in decreasing related caregiver burden; and 
• the key barriers and enablers for a possible future broader implementation of an assistance dog program of the type conducted under the Trial. 

The Trial evaluated the life experiences of 20 veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD through their journey of being paired with a specifically trained assistance dog. The veteran’s journey commenced at the time of recruitment and initial assessment, involvement in a comprehensive training program and matching of a dog to meet their unique needs. Following completion of the training program and preparedness the veteran received handover of their dog to live with them full time. 

Of the 20 veterans recruited, a total of 17 completed the Trial on 30 June 2022 and continue to live with their dog. The three veterans that did not complete the Trial voluntarily withdrew due to personal circumstances. Exit interviews to capture their experiences were conducted and noted in the evaluation report.

The Trial was successful in meeting its objectives and the evaluation findings and recommendations are being considered by DVA’s Psychiatric Assistance Dog Program for opportunities to enhance delivery of the Program.

The following comments were captured from trial participants and support persons during the evaluation and are included in the report

“I can’t express enough how much this program has been of benefit. I have little doubt that my service dog has saved my life” – Veteran John

“My wife says she “has the old me back”, my parents have commented on the change the dog has had on me, with comments such as…”we haven’t seen this bloke in 20yrs” – Veteran Brian

“I have more freedoms to do things that I like without feeling guilty or worrying about my husband. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication, patience and care shown to not only my husband but our entire family” - Support Person Jenny

“Conversations about difficult subjects have become approachable and easier. Our communication has improved in all aspects of our life” – Support Person Susan

Findings from the REA identify strategies to support and sustain healthy behaviours as part of active ageing in Australian veterans. The research suggests that interventions that promote an active physical and cognitive lifestyle not only help prevent and combat mental and physical health decline, they also increase quality of life and well-being in later life for all veterans.

The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to: 1) examine the scientific literature for evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to promote self-managed physical activity in service veterans and/or their dependants; 2) assess studies that compared the effectiveness of ‘stepped-down’ models of PA self-management to ‘usual care’ controls and; 3) identify key behaviour change techniques that have been used in these studies to successfully promote physical activity change.

This report was funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to assess available literature on the psychological and vocational outcomes of delivering support services to the families of veterans at times of high family stress. The review considered interventions being provided to veterans in Australia, and other English speaking countries who may have similar veteran experiences.  

The literature review was undertaken in the context of the growing body of research and policy evidence suggesting that veterans can be challenged by transition from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) into civilian life, with a consequential direct negative impact on the wellbeing of the veteran and family members. The aim of this literature review was to examine available peer reviewed research regarding the support available to families of veterans in order to inform the establishment of a policy framework.

• The review yielded 34 results, primarily considering the experiences of veterans and their families in the United States. The absence of peer-reviewed literature from New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom highlights that this topic is one that is still in its infancy.
• Overall, studies indicated that family involvement in care was most definitely a contributing factor to veterans achieving positive psychological and interpersonal outcomes. The review noted that younger veterans, in particular, liked the message of family involvement, the use of digital support tools and therapy that accommodated childcare needs.
• While the literature highlights some potential programs which could assist Australian veterans and their families, including online education tools for adults and children, the need for further research in this area is apparent, specifically in the Australian context.