Veterans and the hidden heroes who care for them

Across the United States, millions of family members serve as informal caregivers to injured, ill or aging veterans. These caregivers — often spouses, parents, adult children or friends — shoulder significant emotional, physical and financial burdens while helping veterans navigate the complex web of healthcare, benefits, and reintegration challenges following military service. The hidden cost of caregiving extends beyond the home, affecting workforce participation, mental health and economic stability for entire families.

1. Translating military skills to civilian employment.

   While military service fosters leadership, discipline and specialized skills, many roles — particularly in combat or logistics — lack direct civilian equivalents, making job matching difficult for employers and recruiters.¹

2. Invisible wounds and stigma around mental health.

   Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and moral injury are common among veterans, yet stigma and inadequate access to culturally competent care continue to hinder recovery and career reintegration.²

3. Navigating bureaucracy and fragmented systems.

   Veterans frequently encounter complex, overlapping systems when seeking care or benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), TRICARE (the health care program for the military and their families) and community providers. Delays, paperwork and lack of coordination increase frustration and reduce access to timely support.³

Caring for a veteran who has been injured or catastrophically injured in the line of duty is an act of devotion that often comes with immense personal cost. Spouses, parents, adult children and other loved ones frequently step into roles for which they had little preparation, providing medical, emotional and logistical support. The caregiving journey is shaped by unique challenges, including:

1. Emotional and mental health strains.

   The constant vigilance and emotional intensity of caring for a wounded or ill veteran can often lead to depression, anxiety and burnout among caregivers, especially when social support is limited.⁴

2. Financial and employment instability.

   Many caregivers reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely to provide full-time care. Lost income, diminished retirement savings and lack of workplace flexibility compound long-term financial insecurity.⁵

3. Isolation and relationship challenges.

   Caregivers frequently report social withdrawal, marital strain and a sense of invisibility within their communities. The isolation intensifies when navigating the bureaucracy of the VA, healthcare systems and benefit programs without adequate assistance.⁶

• Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).

  Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, PCAFC provides financial stipends, health insurance, respite care and training for eligible caregivers. va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers

• American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network (MVCN).

  Provides peer support, online communities and wellness resources to reduce isolation and promote connection among caregivers. redcross.org/military- veteran-caregivernetwork.html

• Real Warriors Campaign (Department of Defense).

  Encourages help-seeking behavior for mental health and offers confidential support and stories of recovery. health.mil/RealWarriors

1. Adopt caregiver-friendly workplace policies such as flexible scheduling, remote work options and paid leave.
2. Partner with organizations like SHRM Foundation of Hiring Our Heroes to support veteran and caregiver employment programs.
3. Offer employee assistance programs tailored to veteran families and mental health resilience.

This paper examines the following:

• Challenges for veterans returning to the workforce and civilian life
• Challenges and resources for caregivers of injured and catastrophically injured veterans
• Isolation, relationship challenges and mental health strain of veterans and their caregivers
• Opportunities for improvement: navigating complex systems and bureaucracy
• Recommended actions and resources for employers

Read the full paper

Veterans and their caregivers embody resilience, loyalty and sacrifice. Yet many veterans don’t know where to turn and their caregivers feel unseen in the national dialogue on veterans’ health and employment.

Read our full paper for tips on improving workplace flexibility, strengthening mental health support and simplifying access to resources to sustain both the heroes who served and the hidden heroes who stand beside them.