Empowering and supporting military and Veteran caregivers
Inclusive care integrates caregivers into a Veteran's health care journey
Inclusive care is a system-wide approach to Veteran care that embraces, engages and empowers caregivers, clinicians and Veterans throughout the entire care journey.
Caregiver inclusion can improve multiple aspects of care, including:
- Health outcomes
- Relationships
- Quality of life
- Clinical performance
- Health care provider work experience
Optum Serve, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs believe that inclusive care could improve outcomes and experiences for caregivers, patients and health care providers.
When it’s easier for caregivers to schedule appointments for a Veteran, the result is fewer missed appointments. When caregivers are educated and trained on how to administer at-home treatments, there is better medication adherence and fewer errors.
In order to improve the health and well-being of those who have served our nation, acknowledging, including and effectively communicating with their caregivers is essential.
Inclusive care: Military & Veteran caregivers
Statistical sources
- “The RAND Military Caregivers Study.” RAND Corporation, www.rand.org/well-being/social-and-behavioral-policy/projects/military-caregivers.html.
- Caregiver Statistics: Demographics." Family Caregiver Alliance, https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics.
Caregivers make a difference
- In the U.S. alone, 5.5M caregivers care for a wounded warrior
- $14B annual cost savings tied to the work of military caregivers
- 70% provide care to a spouse/partner
- 30% of Veteran caregivers provide care for 10+ years
- 80+ hours of care provided by 20% of military caregivers per week
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