Military and Veteran caregivers are unsung heroes—and they need our support
Caregivers need accessible, higher-quality services. Public-private partnerships and Federal legislation like the Dole Act are beginning to address this urgent need.
An estimated 14.3 million Americans care for Veterans and military personnel, according to a recent RAND study commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Many Veterans and service members require assistance with health and wellness due to service-related injuries, illness, or disabilities, as well as challenges associated with aging.
Care for these individuals, including around-the-clock physical and emotional caregiving, is often provided by family members or friends, whose support is valued at an estimated $485 billion annually. Yet the personal cost is steep: one-third of military and veteran caregivers live below 130% of the federal poverty line, and 26.5% struggle with food insecurity, according to RAND.
Resources for caregivers and their families are often sparse, difficult to access, and require the caregiver to spend time and energy that they just don’t have.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the nation’s preeminent organization working to empower, support, and honor military and Veteran caregivers. During the Foundation’s 10th Annual Convening, Guidehouse facilitated discussions with leaders from government, industry, nonprofits, and academia to explore actionable solutions and elevate caregiver voices.
What military and Veteran caregivers need
The discussions that Guidehouse facilitated during the convening highlighted specific needs that military and Veteran caregivers have, amplifying RAND’s findings.
Mental health support: Caregivers for Veterans and service members aged 60 and under face mental health challenges at an alarming level: 42% meet the criteria for depression and 20% have considered suicide, rates that are both four times higher than non-caregivers, according to the RAND report. Despite the need, many lack the time to seek care and the ability to access it.
Survivor assistance: When a loved one passes and a caregiver’s help is no longer needed, the caregiver may lose the support systems tied to that role. While hospice services focus on Veterans and service members, bereavement support and long-term mental health support for their caregivers remain limited. The transition to life beyond caregiving requires curated and long-term support.
Support for “hidden helpers”: Children in caregiving households—called “hidden helpers” by the Foundation—experience long-term emotional strain. RAND estimates 5.5 million children fall into this category, facing higher rates of anxiety, isolation, worsened health, and difficulty expressing emotion, burdens they carry with them long into adulthood. Despite these challenges, “hidden helpers” have also been shown to have more pro-social behaviors than their non-caregiving peers.
Economic relief: Many military and Veteran caregivers need to take time away from the workforce, averaging $4,500 in lost income each year and shouldering more than $8,500 in annual out-of-pocket costs annually, according to the report. This financial strain compounds over time, especially for those who lose their loved one and lack access to financial and job placement support.
Integration into care systems: Family caregivers are essential to the continuity of care, yet they’re frequently excluded from important clinical and social needs-related conversations. Including them in care planning and communication improves clinical outcomes and strengthens trust across the system.
Where policy and partnerships are making progress
The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act represents a significant step forward in improving federal resources for caregiver support. Enacted in January 2025, this wide-ranging and comprehensive bill aims to:
- Expand support through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
- Fund mental health services via grants and contracts with community organizations
- Reduce access barriers and increase respite care availability
Beyond legislation, public-private partnerships have proven to be essential. Health systems, including the Military Health System and the Veterans Health Administration, are uniquely positioned to integrate caregivers into the Veteran and service member patient journey. Commercial and public health leaders can amplify this impact by collaborating with community-based organizations and designing solutions that reflect the lived experience of caregivers.
Turning commitment into action
As the caregiving landscape evolves, organizations like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation are bringing together policy, technology, and mission execution to help shape a more accessible and resilient future for military and Veteran caregivers. By convening stakeholders, surfacing insights, and driving cross-sector collaboration, these efforts are not only addressing today’s challenges but also building the foundation for long-term, systemic change.
