Military Caregivers

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  • Multimedia

    Creating Better Support for Our Nation's Hidden Heroes

    Jun 14, 2017

    An overview of the testimony presented by Terri Tanielian before the Senate Special Committee on Aging on June 14, 2017.

  • A woman hugging her soldier son or grandson

    Essay

    Military Caregivers Share the Costs of War

    Oct 30, 2017

    Millions of veterans and service members receive care from family and friends who need support as well. Military caregivers sacrifice their time, their jobs, and even their health to provide a service worth billions of dollars to the United States. RAND research illuminates who they are, what they do, and what they need to succeed.

Explore Military Caregivers

  • Journal Article

    Journal Article

    The Relationship Between Engagement in Online Support Groups and Social Isolation Among Military Caregivers: Longitudinal Questionnaire Study

    It is unclear how well online groups reduce social isolation and improve mental health among military caregivers. This study focused on members of a new online community for military caregivers, compared with caregivers who were members of existing groups.

    Apr 29, 2020

  • U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his third State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., February 4, 2020, photo by Doug Mills/Pool via Reuters

    Blog

    State of the Union 2020: Insights from RAND

    The final State of the Union address of President Trump's four-year term may be viewed through the lens of the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the evening. But the speech touched on a range of policy challenges that will remain, regardless of how politics play out in 2020.

    Feb 5, 2020

  • Multimedia

    The Vital Support of Post-9/11 Military Caregivers

    In this episode of Veterans in America, we talk about the military caregivers that inspired RAND's landmark study of America's "hidden heroes."

    Nov 12, 2018

  • Multimedia

    Veterans in America Podcast

    Veterans in America is a special limited-series podcast that journeys into the lives of veterans and their loved ones, and shares insights from RAND research on how to improve their lives.

    Oct 29, 2018

  • Grandson who served in Iraq helps his grandfather, who served in WWII

    Testimony

    Supporting Military and Veteran Caregivers from All Eras

    Research suggests ways to improve federal programs that support military and veteran caregivers. Notably, programs should be tailored to the needs of different populations, such as pre-9/11 and post-9/11 caregivers.

    Feb 6, 2018

  • Journal Article

    Journal Article

    Impact of TBI on Caregivers of Veterans with TBI: Burden and Interventions

    Programs to support caregivers and families of veterans with traumatic brain injuries will benefit from further research on the specific economic and health needs of these caregivers.

    Dec 7, 2017

  • Two people holding hands in a comforting manner

    Testimony

    Creating Better Support for Military and Veteran Caregivers

    Caregivers who provide unpaid, informal support to current and former U.S. service members are a key part of America's care for returning warriors. A new research blueprint could help improve support for these "hidden heroes."

    Jun 14, 2017

  • Female caregiver carrying groceries and walking along a dirt path with an elderly man

    Research Brief

    Improving Support for America's Hidden Heroes: A Military Caregiver Research Blueprint

    In this brief, RAND researchers document the construction and elements of a research blueprint to inform future efforts to improve support for military and veteran caregivers.

    Jun 14, 2017

  • Sgt. John Kriesel receives treatment from a therapist while his wife, Katie, comforts him at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, February 9, 2007

    Report

    Improving Support for Military and Veteran Caregivers: A Research Blueprint

    Millions of Americans provide informal care and support to current and former U.S. service members. A new research blueprint could help inform efforts to improve support for these “hidden heroes.”

    Jun 14, 2017

  • Woman talking to a man in a wheelchair

    Commentary

    Caring for Our Nation's Hidden Heroes?

    Thanks to a growing list of more than 100 organizations that have pledged their commitment as members of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's National Coalition for Military Caregivers, our nation is taking long overdue action to support both our wounded warriors and those who care for them.

    May 7, 2015

  • Kayla Williams, outside the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Virginia

    Q&A

    From Combat to Caregiving: Q&A with Kayla Williams

    Kayla Williams talks about being a female soldier and the spouse of a wounded warrior, why veterans aren't broken and caregivers aren't saints, and more.

    Mar 6, 2015

  • A woman caring for her ill or injured husband

    Testimony

    Supporting Military and Veteran Caregivers Should Be a National Priority

    Honoring and serving our current and former members of the armed forces, particularly through periods of illness or when recovering from injuries, requires that we attend to their family members and friends who provide the care that is critical to keeping them alive and thriving.

    Dec 3, 2014

  • Military family walking on a path through the woods

    Commentary

    Honoring America's Veterans Requires Helping Their Families, Too

    This Veterans Day, the United States especially honors the millions of veterans living with service-related illnesses and injuries. But it's also important to recognize the sacrifices of those helping them to recover and thrive: America's 5.5 million military caregivers.

    Nov 11, 2014

  • U.S. Army soldiers cheer as U.S. President Barack Obama signs H.R. 3230, the Veteran's Access to Care through Choice, Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014

    Blog

    Research Drives Ongoing Support for Veterans

    On November 11, we honor the service and sacrifices of America's veterans. But as they return home and adjust to civilian life, veterans and their families face new challenges and communities struggle to meet their unique needs. Rigorous research is essential to addressing these challenges and finding long-term solutions. RAND explores key issues concerning veterans such as employment, health and well-being, family support, and education.

    Nov 10, 2014

  • Events @ RAND Audio Podcast

    Multimedia

    Helping American Veterans and Their Caregivers

    In this podcast, Terri Tanielian offers policy recommendations designed to improve the lives of veterans, their caregivers, and their families.

    Sep 23, 2014

  • Multimedia

    How to Better Support Military Caregivers

    Caring for a current or former U.S. servicemember can take a toll on family, friends, and acquaintances. Changes are needed to both provide assistance to caregivers and to help them make plans for the future.

    Jun 24, 2014

  • military homecoming

    Blog

    Ask Me Anything: Rajeev Ramchand on Military Caregivers

    With military caregivers quickly becoming a topic of national discussion, RAND's Rajeev Ramchand hosted an "Ask Me Anything" session on Reddit last week, fielding a variety of questions about military caregivers and other issues concerning mental health and the U.S. military.

    Jun 24, 2014

  • Woman pushing a disabled man in a wheelchair

    Commentary

    One Military Caregiver's Story

    America shouldn't forget the sacrifices of those who care for the wounded. Rachel O'Hern tells the story of her life as a military caregiver, one of millions of spouses, family members, and friends who support service members and veterans with physical or emotional injuries or illnesses.

    May 23, 2014

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