Family caregivers play an essential role in supporting America’s veterans, yet many continue to face significant challenges navigating the complex systems designed to help them.
According to Joanne M. Frederick, CEO of GMS, caregivers are often the “connective tissue” holding veterans’ care together, regardless of whether services are delivered through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicare, Medicaid, military retiree health programs, or community providers.
One of the largest challenges, Frederick says, is fragmentation.
“Veterans may receive care through multiple systems, and caregivers are often left trying to navigate bureaucracies that do not coordinate well with one another,” she said.
The scope of caregiving is substantial. 14.3 million Americans care for wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans, providing approximately $119 billion in unpaid care each year.
While the VA offers caregiver assistance programs, many families still struggle to access available benefits. Frederick points to complicated eligibility requirements, extensive documentation, long wait times, and inconsistent implementation as common barriers.
“The challenge is often not that programs do not exist, but that they can be difficult to navigate,” she said.
Veteran caregiving also differs from caregiving in the civilian healthcare system. Many caregivers support veterans living with combat injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain, and illnesses linked to military service. They must often navigate disability ratings, veterans’ benefits, military culture, and changing federal policies.
Legislation such as the PACT Act has expanded healthcare eligibility for many veterans, but it has also increased the need for caregivers to stay informed about evolving benefits and support programs.
“The ongoing need to monitor policy and eligibility changes adds another often-overlooked layer to the burden caregivers already carry,” Frederick said.
The VA has made significant strides in recent years through expanded stipends, training programs, respite care, and mental health resources. However, access and effectiveness can vary widely depending on geography, staffing levels, and provider availability.
Some families report strong support, while others encounter delays and administrative hurdles, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Frederick also acknowledges the government’s responsibility to ensure oversight of taxpayer-funded programs. The challenge, she says, is balancing accountability with accessibility so families with legitimate needs can receive support without unnecessary barriers.
Despite political divisions on many issues, Frederick believes caregiver support remains an area where bipartisan agreement is possible.
“There is likely broad agreement around expanding respite care, simplifying access to benefits, improving care coordination, supporting rural access, and increasing mental health resources for caregivers,” she said.
Beyond policy discussions, Frederick emphasizes the emotional toll caregiving can take. Many caregivers live in a constant state of vigilance, managing appointments, medications, behavioral health challenges, and daily care needs while balancing work and family responsibilities.
“What outsiders may not fully recognize is the emotional weight of always being ‘on,'” she said.
Caregivers frequently experience burnout, anxiety, isolation, and financial strain. Many delay their own healthcare needs because the veteran’s care takes priority.
Much of the burden remains invisible. Caregivers often serve as case managers, advocates, schedulers, and emotional support systems while coordinating appointments, transportation, insurance matters, and communications between providers.
“Without these caregivers, many Veterans would face far greater difficulty remaining safely at home and connected to their communities,” Frederick said.
When it comes to supporting caregivers, Frederick argues that policymakers should not view direct compensation and support services as competing solutions.
“It likely should not be viewed as an either-or discussion because families often need a combination of direct and indirect support,” she said.
Financial stipends can help offset lost income, but caregivers also need respite care, behavioral health services, transportation assistance, and reliable provider networks.
Looking ahead, Frederick sees an urgent need for greater coordination among federal agencies, state governments, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare providers. Improved data sharing, streamlined referrals, and simpler navigation tools could reduce administrative burdens and help families access support before problems escalate.
Ultimately, she believes success should be measured not only by program enrollment or spending levels but by whether caregivers can sustainably continue their work without sacrificing their own wellbeing.
“If a caregiver is burned out, financially strained, isolated, and buried in administrative complexity, eventually the Veteran’s care is affected too,” Frederick said.
For Frederick, supporting caregivers is more than a policy issue. It is an investment in veteran health, family stability, and the long-term sustainability of the nation’s healthcare system.