Angie Oh, MSW internGSWEC -VA
PurposeMethodsSummary of interviewsPractical advice
Most Vietnam Veterans are over 60 years old and make up almost 10% of their generation. Part of the baby boomer population
Current and future geriatric social workers should be educated on the aging Vietnam veteran population because they will most likely encounter them in their work.
Some knowledge and cultural competency in this area can help foster healthy client-worker relationships
Whenever we learn about cultural competency, we should have cultural humility
The purpose of this is not to foster any existing stereotypes about Vietnam veterans
This presentation does not represent the official opinions of the VA or Vet Center
In-person and telephone interviews with 6 clinicians from the VA and 4 clinicians
from the Vet Center ▪ 6 social workers, 3 psychologists and 1
psychiatrist▪ Average length of years worked with veterans:
13.8 years▪ Chosen through a combination of snowball and
convenience sample Four open-ended questions were asked This PowerPoint presentation was made
1. How are Vietnam veterans different from other veterans?
2. How have Vietnam veterans changed as they aged?
3. What are some common issues and themes you see in your sessions with aging Vietnam veterans?
4. What advice would you give to geriatric social work students when working with this population?
Cultural upheaval and unstable homeland
Uniqueness of the Vietnam War
How they were treated when they got back
Agent Orange
PTSD
Family life
Loss of important political figures John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X
Large social movements Women’s movement, Civil Rights Movement, etc.
Unstable homeland Counterculture, number of traditional families
were decreasing, etc. “Go to jail or go to Vietnam”
How do these things affect their aging process?
LongUndeclaredPoliticalHigh-casualtyMost unpopular warNo closure; unresolved feelingsFirst televised war
How do these things affect their aging process?
People hated the war and hated the soldiers
Called “baby killers” Spat at and yelled at Poor treatment from the VA
Led to the formation of the Vet Center There were a lot of jobs-went to work
right away
How do these things affect their aging process?
Many Vietnam veterans were exposed to Agent Orange (20 million gallons sprayed)
Paranoia About the government▪ Did the government know about the harm it could
cause? About their health▪ Agent Orange is connected to Type II Diabetes, cancer,
heart problems, etc. ▪ “When will be my last day”
How do these things affect their aging process?
More Vietnam veterans are seeking treatment for PTSD at the VA and Vet Center Delayed onset More outreach from VA/Vet Center Compensation Retirement
How do these things affect their aging process?
Boundary problems with families Children & grandchildren are living with them Veterans feel guilty about the times they were
not available or good to their families in the past ▪ Life review▪ Some children are taking advantage of this
Caregiving responsibilities Taking care of their grandchildren Taking care of their elderly parents
How do these things affect their aging process?
Each veterans’ experience is unique; learn from them. They are the expert.
Educate yourself about general history/geography of the Vietnam War
If you don’t know something, ask them. Don’t pretend you know something
Allow extra time to build a relationship and get information (institutional transference)
Learn key principles of how to work with veterans in general
Help them feel valuable and honor them for their service. Respect them.
Find creative ways to help them realize their strengths
Do not take things personally Use military concepts in
psychoeducation Do not be judgmental and beware of
stereotyping Be aware of survivors guilt