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In 2014, RAND released a landmark report that drew much-needed national attention to America's military and veteran caregivers—the “hidden heroes” who provide daily care to wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. Today, a decade later, we've launched a major follow-up study to understand where progress has been made and where greater support could improve caregivers' lives.
The new report, commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, finds that there are now more than 14 million military and veteran caregivers in the United States. Their duties can range from helping their loved ones eat and walk, to managing their mental health symptoms and memory deficits, to administering medications and preparing meals. Caregivers may also provide transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores.
“Care recipients benefit from the work these caregivers do, and caregivers benefit as well,” says RAND's Rajeev Ramchand, the study's lead author. “But caregiving is not without its costs, both financial and emotional.”
Although three-quarters of these caregivers care for individuals over age 60, the burden of caregiving appears to fall heaviest on those caring for people 60 and younger. In fact, more than 40 percent of these caregivers met criteria for probable depression. About one-third thought that they needed mental health care but don't receive it, mainly because they don't have the time. Further, 70 percent of these caregivers reported some difficulty paying bills, and 40 percent met criteria for food insecurity.
Among all military and veteran caregivers, individuals reported spending more than $8,500 out of pocket each year on delivering care and forgoing more than $4,000 in annual income. This may be one reason that one-third of these caregivers have incomes below 130 percent of the federal poverty level.
The report identifies several recommendations to help support military and veteran caregivers. These include increasing access to mental health and substance use treatment for caregivers and their children, expanding home health care, and promoting supportive work environments.
“Just as the report RAND conducted in 2014 guided the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's efforts for the last decade,” says Steve Schwab, CEO of the foundation, “we will use the information RAND provided in this report to shape the nation's strategy for supporting military and veteran caregivers moving forward.”
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