Military veterans can experience limb loss as a direct result of conflict, an accident, illness or injury. Whatever the cause, there is a need to recognise the long-term consequences and challenges of limb loss on maintaining independence in one’s home. This study aimed to examine the housing needs of veterans experiencing limb loss, and the impact of limb loss on housing needs and home adaptations of ageing military veterans. Thirty-two military veterans (aged 43–95) participated in this study and up to three life-story interviews were carried out with each participant. Two themes were generated: availability of support and changing housing needs. It is evident from the findings that military veterans are unique in various ways, specifically due to military culture, geographical relocation and the additional support that is available to the Armed Forces Community. This must be considered in long-term support to maintain independence in the home.

Background Despite research highlighting the role of alcohol in military life, specifically in relation to mental health and certain combat experiences, there is no synthesised evidence looking at the relationship between military service and alcohol use. Aims To synthesize and examine evidence exploring the relationship between military service and alcohol use. Methods Six databases were examined across a 10-year period. Papers were included if they involved a military population and focused on alcohol use. From 4046 papers identified, 29 papers were included in the review. Results Military characteristics and experience were linked to high levels of alcohol use across military populations. Societal and cultural factors also played a role in alcohol use in military populations. Predatory behaviour of alcohol establishments, pressures to conform, an acceptance of alcohol use, and the role of religious services and militarys has expraffiliated social networks were all considered. Excessive drinking impacted physical and mental health. Those diagnosed with PTSD and associated symptoms appeared to have greater alcohol use. Conclusions This review identified certain characteristics and experiences of military service that are associated with higher levels of alcohol use. It is important to identify risk factors for alcohol misuse to develop appropriate policy, targeting prevention.

Introduction: Veterans often do not present with alcohol problems in isolation, they may have a wide range of social, physical, and psychological needs. The aim of this study was to facilitate the development of a co-designed integrated model of care for veterans with alcohol problems.Methods: Following the development model by the Agency for Clinical Innovation, a planning symposium was held in North East of England to engage health and social care planners, public health leads, clinical commissioning groups and providers. Service users were empowered in discussions to provide insights and look for solutions (N = 43).Results: Using diagramming techniques, three examples of health and social care provision were created demonstrating the current commissioning landscape, one veteran's experience of accessing services and a proposal for a new integrated model of care for veterans with alcohol problems. Discussion: By engaging stakeholders and service users, the model proposed a potential solution to reducing the number of veterans 'falling through the gaps' or disengaging from services. The collaborative approach highlighted the difficulties in navigating the current complex health and social care systems. The co-designed hub and spoke model aims to enable alcohol misuse services to adapt and evolve so that they better fit the needs of veterans.

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