Invisible Front-Line: Family Caregivers and Veterans Care in Nova Scotia

Jenna Fralick, BScN RN

Every November, as the red poppies appear on coats across Nova Scotia, we’re reminded to honour the sacrifices of our Veterans — the men and women who served to protect the freedoms we hold dear. But what happens when the uniform comes off and the mission continues at home?

For many families in Nova Scotia, the new front line isn’t overseas — it’s in the living room, the kitchen, or by a bedside. It’s made up of spouses, daughters, sons, and neighbours who’ve quietly taken on the role of caregiver. These family members are the invisible front-line of Veterans caregiving support — the ones carrying forward a legacy of service through compassion, resilience, and love.

The New Front Line: Family Caregivers of Veterans

Caregiving for a Veteran often means navigating a world of complex health needs — physical injuries, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, or age-related conditions that surface long after service has ended. In Nova Scotia, there are over 17,000 Veterans living in the province, and many depend on family members for their daily care (Veterans Affairs Canada, 2024).

But most of these caregivers don’t identify themselves as such. They see what they do as an act of love or duty — not realizing that they’re providing essential health support often without access to the same training, respite, or financial assistance available to professional care providers.

One family caregiver, Melissa, gave us permission to use part of her story, and she describes it this way:

“When you’ve been through deployment with someone, you don’t think twice about helping them shower or driving them to appointments. But over time, you realize this is 24/7 care — and that can take a toll.”

This invisible army of caregivers is the reason personalized home-care services matter. It’s about ensuring Veterans and their families aren’t left to shoulder the weight alone.

The Hidden Strain Behind Service: Understanding Burnout

Caregiver burnout isn’t just exhaustion — it’s emotional depletion mixed with guilt. Studies show that caregivers of Veterans experience higher rates of depression, sleep disturbances, and physical health decline compared to the general population (Elliott et al., 2022). The constant vigilance required to manage medical needs, medications, and emotional triggers — especially for those supporting Veterans with PTSD — can leave families emotionally and physically drained.

The System Gap: Navigating Veterans Affairs and Home-Care Services

For many Nova Scotians, the biggest challenge isn’t the willingness to provide care — it’s navigating the system. Veterans Affairs Canada offers a range of home-care and financial programs, including the Veterans Independence Program (VIP), which covers services like housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and personal care. Yet, many families don’t realize that they qualify.

According to a 2023 review by the Office of the Veterans Ombud, less than 50% of eligible Veterans use home-care or respite benefits available to them. Common reasons include lack of awareness, confusing paperwork, and difficulty coordinating with local providers (Office of the Veterans Ombud, 2023).

That’s why community-based providers like Remember When HealthCare play a crucial role. We help bridge the gap between eligibility and access, ensuring Veterans and their families receive the right care — at the right time.

“Remember When HealthCare is proud to be an approved provider for home healthcare, advanced foot care, and homecare services through Veterans Affairs Canada, helping families access trusted, nurse-led care across Nova Scotia.”

Veterans Caregiving Support in Nova Scotia

The need for strong Veterans caregiving support has never been greater. Nova Scotia has one of the oldest Veteran populations in Canada, and many live with service-related injuries, cognitive decline, or mobility challenges that require specialized in-home care (Thompson et al., 2023).

What makes this province unique is its community spirit. From Halifax to Yarmouth, and from Truro to Sydney, families are deeply connected to service. The challenge isn’t lack of compassion — it’s access to coordinated, personalized care solutions that truly meet Veterans where they are.

Home-care agencies like Remember When HealthCare are helping fill this need by providing:

• Nurse-led care planning, ensuring Veterans’ physical and emotional health are both addressed

• Respite care, allowing family members time to rest and recharge

• Foot-care and wound management, crucial for Veterans with diabetes or circulation issues

• Companionship services, reducing isolation and restoring social connection

Barriers to Getting Help

Despite available supports, many Veterans and their families delay seeking care for several reasons:

1. Pride and independence – Veterans often resist asking for help, seeing it as a sign of weakness.

2. Misinformation – Families assume home-care is only for the very ill or elderly.

3. System confusion – Navigating Veterans Affairs and provincial programs can feel overwhelming.

4. Financial concerns – Even with subsidies, the cost of home-care can feel daunting.

Education is key. Knowing what programs exist and understanding how to combine public and private supports can make care both affordable and accessible.

Finding Relief Through Personalized Home-Care

When families finally reach out for help, one of the first emotions they express is relief. Having a nurse or home-care professional come into the home doesn’t replace the love they give — it strengthens it.

At Remember When HealthCare, our philosophy is simple: we care for the whole family, not just the client. Personalized care plans adapt to each Veteran’s needs, whether that’s daily medication reminders, mobility support, or simply having someone to share a coffee and a story with.

Families often tell us that having consistent, compassionate support helps reduce hospital readmissions, falls, and caregiver burnout — all while maintaining independence and dignity at home.

How to Access Support in Nova Scotia

If your loved one is a Veteran living in Nova Scotia, here are steps you can take:

1. Contact Veterans Affairs Canada to explore eligibility for the Veterans Independence Program.

2. Request an in-home assessment from a qualified provider like Remember When HealthCare.

3. Ask about combined funding options — many Veterans can access both public and private supports.

4. Create a care plan that includes respite, wellness, and emotional support — not just physical care.

Why Personalized Care Matters

Every Veteran’s story is different — and so is every family’s caregiving journey. That’s why cookie-cutter solutions rarely work. Personalized care looks beyond checklists and focuses on quality of life: preventing falls, managing chronic pain, maintaining mobility, and honouring emotional well-being.

In the words of Ashley Boucher, our founder:

“You can’t separate the person from their story. When we understand who they were in service, we can better serve who they are now.”

That’s the Remember When HealthCare difference — care that remembers the person behind the service.

Call to Action

If your family is caring for a Veteran in Nova Scotia, you don’t have to do it alone. Learn more about how personalized home-care can help you find balance and peace of mind.

👉 Visit www.rwhc.ca to explore personalized Veteran care options.

FAQs

Do you provide care for Veterans of all ages and abilities?

Yes. Remember When HealthCare proudly supports Veterans across Nova Scotia, including those living with disabilities, chronic illness, or age-related conditions. Our services are inclusive and person-centered.

Can you coordinate care with Veterans Affairs Canada?

Absolutely. Our team helps families navigate Veterans Affairs programs, paperwork, and benefits to ensure clients receive the full support they’re entitled to.

References

Elliott, T. R., Gass, K., & Johnson, D. (2022). Caregiver burden and psychological distress among family caregivers of veterans with chronic health conditions. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 54(3), 189-198.

Office of the Veterans Ombud. (2023). Review of the Veterans Independence Program and family caregiver access.Veterans Affairs Canada.

Thompson, S., McDonald, L., & O’Neill, J. (2023). Supporting aging Veterans: A review of community-based home-care models in Atlantic Canada. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(4), 24-33.

Veterans Affairs Canada. (2024). Veterans population and wellbeing report. Government of Canada.