For millions of veterans who have suffered injury or illness in service to our nation, it is often a family member or friend steps in at the most critical moment to take on the role of caregiver; some occasionally, other on a full-time basis. 

 

Currently, some research exists on caregiving in general, as well as some specifically looking at military veterans’ caregivers, though primarily for veterans injured on or after September 11, 2001. However, a large percentage of veterans currently needing caregiver assistance were injured prior to that date, and their voices must be heard

 

In order to better understand veteran caregivers of all eras, DAV conducted a qualitative online survey of self-identified veterans and caregivers. The results of the DAV survey gives a deeper look at the challenges all veteran caregivers face, as well as the supports they receive and could use to help care for their loved ones. By comparing and combining our findings with other surveys and research on caregivers, this report provides a clearer picture of the lives of veterans’ caregivers in order to guide critical public policy changes in the coming years.