The Caregiver Experience (and Where to Find Support)

Editor’s note: This post is sponsored by First Command Financial Services, Inc.

The demand for caregivers has soared in recent years, driven largely by the aging U.S. population. It’s a responsibility that comes with some daunting challenges. Caregivers often don’t have the time or energy to take care of themselves or other family members, they’re more likely to have to miss work, and unsurprisingly, they often report high levels of stress.

Compared to their peers, caregivers also experience elevated feelings of isolation, which can lead to depression.

A poll conducted by The Associated Press/NORC Center studied the effects of caregiving in the United States, and the results are startling:

• Caregiving is a full-time job for one in four caregivers.
• Eight in 10 caregivers use their own money to pay for the treatment of loved ones.
• Due to the cost of care, one in four caregivers has reduced their retirement contributions.

Those who care for the men and women who have served our country not only face these general obstacles, but they also encounter a slew of military-specific challenges. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, common health care issues afflicting the 22 million military veterans living in the United States include injuries, chronic pain, and mental health disorders, like PTSD. Without appropriate attention, these problems have the potential to snowball into substance abuse, homelessness, and even suicide.

In addition, due to the nature of military service and combat stress, the need for professional assistance with daily living skills, such as reconnecting with family, reintegrating into civilian life, and finding suitable employment, is largely unique to the veteran population.

If you are caring for a loved one who has served our country, you aren’t alone. A recent RAND study estimates there are about 5.5 military caregivers in the U.S. And thanks to high-profile organizations, such as The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, awareness, appreciation, and the availability of services for hidden heroes like you are on the rise.

Here are a few resources to help you avoid burnout, recharge, and find specialized support:

• Department of Defense Caregiver Resources
• VA Caregiver Support
• Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

At First Command, we’ve seen firsthand the potential financial pitfalls of military caregiving. Because more than 80% of our financial advisors are veterans or military spouses, we understand and value the support caregivers provide to our servicemen and women. First Command offers disability and long-term care insurance options as part of a comprehensive, individualized financial plan, and we take pride in our ability to guide military families through their unique challenges. Talk to your financial advisor today about how we may be able to help.