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Publications

The RAND Military Caregivers Study has produced a number of publications on this important topic, including Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers, the most comprehensive study of America's military caregivers to date.

We also provide recommendations for supporting military givers for Congress, employers, and health care providers, as well as support resources for military caregivers.

Reports

Improving Support for America's Hidden Heroes: A Research Blueprint 2017

In this report, RAND researchers document the construction and elements of a research blueprint to inform future efforts to improve support for military and veteran caregivers.
Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers 2014

This report summarizes a study designed to describe the magnitude of military caregiving in the United States today, as well as to identify gaps in the array of programs, policies, and initiatives designed to support military caregivers.
Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers — Executive Summary 2014

This summary distills a longer report, Hidden Heroes: America's Military Caregivers. It describes the magnitude of military caregiving in the United States, identifies gaps in support services, and offers recommendations.
Key Facts and Statistics from the RAND Military Caregivers Study 2014

This presentation slide deck offers key facts and statistics from the RAND Military Caregivers Study.
Military Caregivers: Cornerstones of Support for Our Nation's Wounded, Ill, and Injured Veterans 2013

RAND and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation lay the groundwork to inform policy and program development relative to the needs of military caregivers that often differ from the needs of the general caregiving population.

Research Briefs

Research Brief
A Blueprint for Improving Support for America's Hidden Heroes
RAND researchers, commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, developed a research blueprint to guide future investments that would improve the well-being of military and veteran caregivers.
Research Brief
Who Are Military Caregivers? And Who Is Supporting Them?
There are 5.5 million Americans caring for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans, providing indispensable services and saving the nation millions in health and long-term care costs. Researchers describe who these caregivers are, the burden they bear, available programs and resources, and areas where they need more support.
Research Brief
Supporting Military Caregivers: Options for Congress
Congress can support military caregivers in many ways: reconsider eligibility requirements for caregiver support programs, ensure health care coverage for military caregivers, promote the integration and coordination of programs and services, and fully fund the Lifespan Respite Care Act.
Research Brief
Military Caregivers in the Workplace
The business community can support military caregivers in many ways: raise awareness by promoting messages that support military caregivers, offer support services, work with employees to accomodate their caregiver duties, and hire caregivers.
Research Brief
Supporting Military Caregivers: The Role of Health Providers
Health care providers can support military caregivers in many ways: acknowledge them as part of the health care team, routinely assess caregiving needs and the presence of caregiver support, integrate them into health providers' culture, and adopt appropriate caregiver documentation requirements to facilitate their engagement.
Research Brief
Support Resources for Military Caregivers
Caregiving can take a lot of time and impose a heavy burden on caregiver health and well-being. But finding and utilizing support resources can help. Support services for military caregivers may provide respite care, financial stipends, health care and mental health care services, and more.