Researchers found that 1.1 million Americans are caring for a wounded veteran.
The study found those taking caregivers of post 9/11 veterans were younger than typical caregivers, often juggles outside employment, and tended to care for veterans with behavioral health issues, a RAND Corporation news release reported.
"After more than a decade of war, the toll faced by the nation's caregivers who aid veterans and military members is large and can be expected to grow in the decades ahead," Terri Tanielian, the study's co-leader and a senior social research analyst at RAND, a nonprofit research organization, said in the news release. "Until now, the needs of this group have been poorly understood."
Caregiver responsibilities can include bathing and eating, as well as making medical appointments, managing finances, caring for children and helping manage situations that could exacerbate mental health symptoms," the news release reported.
"This study provides compelling details behind the incredible stories of selfless duty and sacrifice being demonstrated by millions of military caregivers across America," U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, said in the news release. "The findings confirm this is an urgent societal crisis and will serve as a call to action in galvanizing communities and inspiring individuals and organizations to raise awareness and increase support for our nation's hidden heroes."
The study estimated that there are 5.5 military caregivers across the U.S. and 20 percent of these veterans were in the military after 9/11. Twelve percent of post-9/11 caregivers spend more than 40 hours a week with their charges. Caregivers face a risk of depression that is about four times higher than those not caring for a veteran.
"Caring for a loved one is a demanding and difficult task, often doubly so for caregivers who juggle these activities with caring for a family and the demands of a job," Rajeev Ramchand, the study's co-leader and a RAND senior behavioral scientist, said in the news release. "These caregivers pay a price for their devotion."
