Older adults with military-based health care coverage often receive care through comprehensive systems that perform well on many quality, safety, access, and patient experience measures. Yet, older veterans may still face gaps in home- and community-based services (HCBS) — supports that help people with daily activities in their homes — and mental health care. These unmet needs can make it harder for older veterans to remain safely at home, manage health conditions, and get timely support.

In a West Health Mosaic blog post, CHCS Associate Director for Long-Term Services and Supports and Disability Policy, Sarah Triano, examines barriers that can limit access to (HCBS) and mental health care for older veterans. The article highlights system-level challenges, including budget constraints, eligibility limits, staffing shortages, and provider time pressures. It also explores how military culture and values may affect whether older veterans seek help, underscoring the need for policies and practices that better identify and address unmet needs among aging veterans.