BOSTON (WWLP) – While the number of aging veterans in Massachusetts is expected to decline over the years, support services will be in high demand.
Massachusetts is home to more than 400,000 veterans. They have a greater risk of developing Dementia and Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) than the rest of the civilian population. University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Janet Fraser Hale told state lawmakers that it is critical to provide better health services for veterans.
“There are the many horrific accidents and injuries. There are traumatic brain injuries and the post traumatic stress disorders of the veterans,” said Hale.
The state legislature’s Committee on Veterans Affairs is exploring ways to expand health and housing benefits for this segment of the population. They discovered that many more aging veterans will turn to Soldiers’ Homes for long term care. A report by UMass Medical School shows that these facilities are in desperate need of renovations.
State Representative John Velis (D-Westfield) said that fighting veterans homelessness is his next priority.
“Obviously, we need to get more resources for these veterans,” he said. There is no excuse whatsoever for having homeless veterans.”
The committee is currently in the process of gathering information, as they work on a statewide action plan to help veterans live comfortable and healthy lives.
“Our hope is to have a bill moving forward for Memorial Day that begins this discussion of long term care and housing for our state’s almost 400,000 veterans and their families,” said Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman State Senator Michael Rush (D-Boston).
The bill is expected to be released sometime in May. Massachusetts leads the nation in providing benefits and services for veterans and their families.
