A Blueprint for Action: Mapping the Future of Caregiving in a Changing World

The Innovation Expo is designed to connect military and veteran supporters, service members, veterans, and their families with helpful resources and support. This expo brings together a variety of companies, organizations and agencies to provide information to support military and veteran caregivers and this community, including new technology, healthcare resources, educational information, and more. Attendees will have the chance to explore different programs, ask questions, and discover valuable tools. It’s a great opportunity to find resources, learn about available services, and connect with others.
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Featuring the Department of Veterans Affairs, American Red Cross, University of Maryland Global Campus, Nomo Smart Care, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Cornerstone Caregiving, Harvard MedTech, Booz Allen Hamilton, The USAA Educational Foundation, and more.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins

This panel brings together international veteran caregivers, alongside global caregiving experts and non-profit leaders, to explore the diverse experiences of those who care for veterans and service members across cultures. Through a rich discussion of shared challenges, cultural differences, and innovative solutions, panelists will offer insights into the complex realities of caregiving in their regions. Attendees will gain a broader understanding of how caregiving is shaped by cultural, social, and systemic factors worldwide, and learn about global efforts to support those who care for those who served.

Caring for a wounded, ill, or injured service member or veteran is a profound act of love and sacrifice, but it can also come with significant emotional challenges. From navigating burnout to accessing mental health resources, caregivers often find themselves without the support they need to maintain their own well-being. According to the 2024 “Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows” RAND report, caregivers report significantly higher rates of perceived stress, depression and suicide ideation, compared to non-caregivers. In this fireside chat, a Dole Caregiver Fellow will share firsthand experiences of the emotional toll of caregiving and the resources that supported their journey, while an industry expert will explore emerging solutions aimed at improving mental health support for caregivers and their families. To prepare for the afternoon “Deep Dive” sessions, attendees will gain insights into innovative programs and community-driven approaches that are helping caregivers manage stress, build resilience, and access the care they need to better care for their loved ones.

Economic stability can be a major challenge for military and veteran caregivers, many of whom sacrifice career advancement, financial security, and even employment itself to care for their loved ones. According to the 2024 “Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows” RAND report, 35% of military and veteran caregiving households live below 130% of the federal poverty line and they pay an estimated $13,105 in combined annual out-of-pocket costs while, at the same time, providing a minimum of $119 billion annually in unpaid care to veterans. This fireside chat will bring together a Dole Caregiver Fellow and a leading expert in financial empowerment to discuss the barriers caregivers face and the solutions being developed to help them achieve economic stability. The discussion will cover topics such as financial assistance programs, flexible employment opportunities, retirement, and financial literacy and planning support. To prepare for the afternoon “Deep Dive” sessions, attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the economic challenges caregivers experience and actionable ideas for supporting their financial growth.

While much attention is rightfully given to adult caregivers, many children are quietly taking on caregiving roles for wounded or ill service members and veterans in their families. In fact, according to the 2024 “Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows” RAND report, about 40% of military and veteran caregivers are also raising a child and these children are more likely to help with at least one caregiving task. These young caregivers face unique challenges, from balancing school and caregiving responsibilities to coping with the emotional weight of their role. In this fireside chat, a Dole Caregiver Fellow who grew up as a “hidden helper” will share personal insights, while a leading expert in youth caregiving will discuss new initiatives aimed at better supporting young caregivers. To prepare for the afternoon “Deep Dive” sessions, will explore strategies for integrating caregiving youth into support networks, improving their access to educational resources, and addressing their mental and emotional needs.

Caregivers do not operate in isolation—they rely on a complex network of healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations to care for their loved one. However, too often caregivers cannot find the resources they need. And, even when they do, these systems do not fully integrate caregivers into decision-making processes, leaving them without the resources they need to provide high-quality care. According to the 2024 “Hidden Heroes Emerging from the Shadows” RAND report, more than three quarters of caregivers reported not having helpful or frequent communication with their veteran’s care providers. This session will feature a conversation between a Dole Caregiver Fellow and a thought leader in the healthcare industry. Together, they will examine how to build more inclusive, responsive care ecosystems that recognize and empower caregivers as critical members of their veteran’s healthcare team. To prepare for the afternoon “Deep Dive” sessions, attendees will explore best practices for integrating caregivers into healthcare settings, expanding access to home- and community-based services, and fostering collaborations between medical professionals and caregiver support networks.

This series of interactive sessions aims to generate actionable strategies to enhance the lives of military and veteran caregivers across four critical areas: economic mobility, youth and family support, care ecosystems, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Participants will explore practical solutions through expert-led discussions, structured group activities, and live polling to identify and prioritize scalable recommendations. The sessions will address key issues such as improving financial literacy and workplace policies, strengthening systems for caregiving youth, integrating caregivers into healthcare decision-making, and expanding access to personalized mental health resources. Collectively, these deep dives will inform a cross-sector strategy to advance long-term, systemic improvements for caregivers nationwide.

Please note the deep dive sessions are only available to in-person attendees.

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Please note this reception is only available to in-person attendees.