Kaufman Carol E, Kaufman L Jeanne, Shangreau Carly, Dailey Nancy, Blair Byron, Shore Jay
Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. 2016;23(2):64-83. doi: 10.5820/aian.2302.2016.64.
The purpose of this project was to describe experiences of reservation-based American Indian (AI) veterans with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and to identify opportunities for improving care and services. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted with AI veterans, family members, and community members in three diverse tribes. Results showed that many veterans in tribal communities experienced challenges receiving services and benefits from the VA, including lack of culturally competent care, transportation problems, and difficulties navigating the system. Family members, often main caregivers for AI veterans, lacked necessary resources, including sources for information, support services, and financial means to procure adequate care. A number of strengths also were identified, including local leadership and a strong community commitment to improve care for veterans.
本项目的目的是描述以保留地为基础的美国印第安（AI）退伍军人在退伍军人事务部（VA）的经历，并确定改善护理和服务的机会。对三个不同部落的AI退伍军人、家庭成员和社区成员进行了焦点小组讨论和个人访谈。结果显示，部落社区的许多退伍军人在获得VA的服务和福利方面面临挑战，包括缺乏具有文化能力的护理、交通问题以及在系统中导航的困难。家庭成员通常是AI退伍军人的主要照顾者，他们缺乏必要的资源，包括信息来源、支持服务以及获得充分护理的资金手段。还确定了一些优势，包括地方领导以及社区对改善退伍军人护理的坚定承诺。
