In 2024, with support from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, researchers at RAND conducted a Caregiving Survey. The results showed that there are 14.3 million military and Veteran caregivers in the United States. Making up 5.5 percent of the U.S. adult population, these individuals help ensure the health and wellness of wounded, ill, or injured servicemembers and Veterans. Among this group, 1.5 million caregivers are supporting Veterans or servicemembers who served after September 11, 2001.  

To keep their family and other loved ones safe and well, caregivers give a tremendous amount of time, attention, and care. But what about their own wellbeing? It’s important that caregivers also receive regular access to resources and support, so that they can rest, recharge, and maintain their own mental and physical health. That way, they can continue to thrive in their own lives — and have the focus and positive energy necessary to offer their vital caregiving services to others.  

Related: VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP): The Complete Guide

Take a look at the resources listed below, which are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of Veteran and servicemember caregivers.  

Hidden Heroes   

Created by caregivers for caregivers, Hidden Heroes has established a community to support those caring for servicemembers and Veterans. Their mental wellness framework provides a foundation for recognizing the importance of mental wellness, as well as ways to support the mental wellness of caregivers.  

ARCHANGELS  

Through their collaboration with The Joint Commission, ARCHANGELS established a Care Badge Initiative, designed to help showcase often-unrecognized skills of caregivers. Caregivers are encouraged to display this badge, such as on their social media profiles and their resumes, to signal their service to potential employers who can help translate those skills into opportunities. ARCHANGELS also offers a comprehensive guide on resources available to caregivers, organized both by type of support and location.  

The Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation Fund  

The Bob & Delores Hope Foundation offers several types of critical financial aid grants, including for natural disaster assistance, rental and mortgage assistance, medical bills, and more. Available for adult caregivers of wounded, ill, or injured Veterans and servicemembers, the average grant offered through this program is $2,500.  

The American Red Cross 

To help caregivers find and receive community-based resources including food, housing, goods, transit, health, money, care, education, and work and legal assistance, the American Red Cross has established a helpful local and national resource directory. Be sure to also check out the Red Cross’s Military Veteran Caregiver Network. 

The Wounded Warrior Project  

The Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing Veterans with the care, resources, and support they need to thrive, offers comprehensive guidance on resources available to servicemembers, Veterans and their families, including their Alumni Connection Program, benefits services, and more.  

Wounded Warriors Family Support’s (WWFS) Respite Care Program also provides caregivers and families of wounded war Veterans with meals, housekeeping, medical travel grants, and In-Home Care services, while Wounded Warriors Family Support’s (WWFS) Respite Care Program provides caregivers and families of wounded war Veterans with meals, housekeeping, medical travel grants, and In-Home Care services. 

Additional Caregiver Resources 

Military OneSource Caregiver Support Services 

Military Caregiver Support Services offered by Military OneSource includes several resources that address the needs of caregivers and their families: 

• Assistance navigating services for special needs, elder care, wounded warrior care, and more 
• Free financial counseling 
• Health and wellness coaches 
• Emotional support through non-medical counseling 
• Peer support networks 

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Family Support 

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Family Support program connects special needs caregivers with the resources, expert consultation, education and community support they need so that they can be their family’s best advocate. EFMP Family Support services include: 

• Face-to-face meetings with EFMP Family Support experts on your installation 
• Virtual or phone special needs consultations through Military OneSource 
• Online information and resources on Military OneSource 
• A digital tool — EFMP & Me — to help families directly access resources tailored to their needs 
• The Office of Special Needs EFMP podcast series so you can hear from subject matter experts on the go 

You can search for EFMP Family Support services near you on Military OneSource. 

Other Programs That Support Military Caregivers 

• Blue Star Families’ Caregivers Empowering Caregivers (CEC) workshops give attendees the time and space to focus on themselves and establish bonds with fellow military caregivers. 
• The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) provides education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge. 
• Easterseals offers a variety of programs and resources to provide support and care for caregivers, including respite care, downloadable resources, and financial guidance. 
• The Independence Fund established the Caregiver Program to provide caregivers of all eras with small group retreats inclusive of peer-to-peer support, respite, as well as restorative and pampering services. 
• Semper Fi and America’s Fund established the Service Member and Family Support Program to provide direct financial assistance and vital programming for combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured servicemembers and military families during hospitalization and recovery. 
• The Unspoken Heroes Program from Operation Showers of Appreciation is available to Veterans, Veteran Caregivers, Gold Star Families and Blue Star Moms. They assist with appreciation banquets, school supplies, care packages, gift cards, and gift baskets. 

We’re Here to Help 

Whether you’re active duty, a Veteran or retired, Armed Forces Mutual has resources and financial solutions to empower your financial wellbeing. One way to do that is by finding a right-sized life insurance policy that can provide you with the peace of mind you need to live your best life. Get a quote now. 

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This article was originally published May 19, 2023.