Dementia affects millions of individuals in the United States, and the number continues to grow. For military families, veterans, and federal employees, the impact of dementia often unfolds alongside the demands of service, relocation, deployment, or high-stress public service roles. Behind every diagnosis is a caregiver who provides daily support, often without formal training or adequate resources. Nearly 12 million Americans are caring for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias without being compensated, representing an economic value of more than 400 billion dollars. The emotional and physical cost, however, is far more difficult to measure. 

At Magellan Federal, we see the profound physical and emotional impact dementia has not only on those diagnosed but on the caregivers who walk beside them. This includes caregivers across military and federal communities who may already be navigating demanding missions, workforce pressures, or limited access to consistent support. As the population ages, the need to support caregivers becomes a national priority that directly affects family stability, workforce readiness, and long‑term wellbeing. 

The Changing Reality of Dementia Caregiving 

Caregivers today face increasing demands. 30% are 65 or older, 2/3 are women, and 1 in 4 is part of the sandwich generation, caring for both aging parents and children. Among military and federal families, caregiving responsibilities are often layered onto careers that require flexibility, mobility, and sustained performance. Their support allows individuals with dementia to remain at home longer and maintain a sense of dignity and independence. 

Caregiving can strengthen relationships and build resilience, yet it also brings emotional, physical, and financial strain. Compared to caregivers supporting individuals without dementia, dementia caregivers experience nearly double the rate of stress and health challenges. For caregivers in service-oriented environments, these risks can be compounded by operational demands and limited time for self-care. 

The Hidden Toll on Caregivers 

Dementia caregivers often report depression, anxiety, chronic stress, grief, and isolation. Many experience sleep disruption, weakened immune functioning, and increased risk of chronic illness. These challenges can be especially difficult for military families and federal employees who may be managing relocations, deployments, or high responsibility roles while providing care at home. 

The American Medical Association’s Caregiver Health Self‑Assessment Questionnaire highlights early signs of strain, such as irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are signals that caregivers need support, yet many caregivers, particularly those accustomed to prioritizing mission and service, push through until they reach burnout. 

Burnout and Compassion Fatigue 

Burnout reflects emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Compassion fatigue develops when caregivers are repeatedly exposed to the suffering of someone they love. Both conditions can leave caregivers feeling numb, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their sense of purpose. 

These experiences are not personal shortcomings. They are predictable outcomes of a system that relies heavily on unpaid caregiving and limited support structures. For military and federal caregivers, cultural expectations around resilience and self-reliance can further delay help-seeking. 

Supporting Caregivers as Part of the Care System 

Magellan Federal advocates for a holistic approach that recognizes caregivers as essential partners in the dementia care journey. Federal agencies and military-connected systems have a unique opportunity to strengthen caregiver wellbeing across the populations they serve. 

1. Acknowledge the Emotional Experience: Caregivers often feel guilt, grief, fear, and self‑doubt. Understanding the stages of dementia and the changes that come with each stage can help caregivers feel more prepared and less alone. This awareness is especially important in military and federal communities where emotional strain may be underrecognized. Validating their emotions is an important first step. 

1. Strengthen Support Networks: Caregivers benefit from connection. National dementia organizations offer helplines, support groups, respite services, and educational resources that reduce isolation and help caregivers sustain their role over time. Ensuring these resources are accessible regardless of duty location or work schedule is critical for military and federal families. 

1. Prioritize Caregiver Health: Caregivers need routines that support physical and mental wellbeing. Encouraging preventive care, behavioral health support, and caregiver‑friendly policies can reduce burnout and improve long-term outcomes. Workplace flexibility and leadership awareness play a meaningful role in supporting caregivers who are also part of the federal workforce. 

1. Help Families Navigate Dementia Together: Families often struggle to talk about dementia, especially with children. Age‑appropriate resources and guidance can help normalize the experience and build resilience across generations. This support is particularly valuable for military children who may already be adapting to frequent change. 

Why Federal Leadership Matters 

Dementia caregiving is a public health challenge with far-reaching implications. Within military and federal populations, caregiver strain can directly affect readiness, retention, and overall workforce resilience. As the number of individuals living with dementia grows, so will the need for caregivers who are supported, trained, and emotionally equipped for the journey ahead. 

Federal agencies play a critical role in shaping the systems that support these caregivers. By investing in caregiver wellbeing, agencies strengthen workforce readiness, reduce long‑term healthcare costs, and enhance the stability of families who serve the nation. 

Magellan Federal is committed to advancing solutions that build caregiver resilience, expand access to behavioral health resources, and integrate caregiver support into federal programs. The cost of caring is high, but caregivers should not have to carry it alone. 

References:  

• Duke University Population Research Institute. (n.d.). Duke researchers point out error in U.S. estimates of dementia. https://dupri.duke.edu/news-events/news/duke-researchers-point-out-error-us-estimates-dementia  
• Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). What is dementia? https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia  
• Alzheimer’s Association. (2025). Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures  

• Caregiver Action Network. (n.d.). Dementia caregiver stress. https://www.caregiveraction.org/dementia-caregiver-stress/  

• American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Common problems faced by caregivers. https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/common-problems  

• Health in Aging Foundation. (n.d.). Caregiver self‑assessment questionnaire. https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/caregiver-self-assessment-questionnaire  

• Caregiver Action Network. (n.d.). Understanding caregiver burnout. https://www.caregiveraction.org/understanding-caregiver-burnout/  

• Caregiver Action Network. (n.d.). 10 tips for family caregivers. https://www.caregiveraction.org/10-tips-family-caregivers/  

• Alzheimer’s.gov. (n.d.). Tips for caregivers. https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers  

• Caregiver Action Network. (n.d.). Caregiver help desk. https://www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/  

• Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s and dementia helpline. https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline  

• Family Caregiver Alliance. (n.d.). Support and resources for caregivers. https://www.caregiver.org/  

• ARCH National Respite Network. (n.d.). Respite provider locator. https://archrespite.org/#  

• Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Support groups. https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groups  

• AlzConnected. (n.d.). Online caregiver community. https://alzconnected.org/  

• Dementia Society of America. (n.d.). Education and resources. https://www.dementiasociety.org/  

• Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Care and education resources. https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/care-education-resources  

• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. (n.d.). Talking to young children about Alzheimer’s. https://alzfdn.org/talking-to-young-children-about-alzheimers/  

• Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Talking to kids about dementia. https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/kids/talking-kids-about-dementia  

• Oliveros, J. (2018). The Remember Balloons. Simon & Schuster. 

• Fox, M. (1984). Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge. Kane/Miller Book Publishers. 

• Elizabeth, J. (n.d.). Will Grammy Remember Me? (Publisher varies by edition.) 

Now is the time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities and increase support for caregivers.

The burden of care is often placed on adult children or other family members, many of whom have full-time jobs and kids of their own. According to an Alliance for Caregiving and AARP Public Policy Institute survey, 40% of caregivers feel emotionally stressed, almost 20% say it caused financial problems, and about 20% feel physically strained. Unpaid-caregiver burnout among these “sandwich generation” individuals often impacts their performance and engagement at work.

Family caregivers comfort their elderly and/or ill companions, coordinate their care, help them bathe, clean their houses and shop for them. While many find the experience rewarding, it can also be frustrating and take a toll on their emotional and physical wellbeing. Over half of caregivers report elevated levels of depression and anxiety, worsened physical health and higher use of psychoactive medications.

These tips are a good reminder for caregivers and those who are close to caregivers:

• Seek support Ask family members for help and include them in caregiving decisions. See if your employer offers a program like Magellan’s Senior Caregiver Assistance, powered by DUOS, that combines human contact with technology that can give caregivers much-needed support and enable seniors to live full lives.
• Share the tasks When family or friends offer to lend a hand, be ready with specific ideas. Make a weekly list and share that list with others to help with shopping, housecleaning, etc.
• Take care of yourself Be sure to schedule and go to your medical checkups. Eat a healthy diet, exercise and get enough sleep.
• Make time for activities you enjoy Don’t neglect the things in your life that need attention. Read, listen to music, paint, play a game, etc.
• Plan for respite care Respite services provide someone who can stay with your family member while you get away for a few hours or days. Time off can help you manage your stress and be a better caretaker.

Visit our Behavioral Health Resources web page for free resources and expert advice to help our communities, client, members and providers.

Sources: CDC, Healthwise

Magellan Federal honors military caregiving children through a commitment to Hidden Helpers Coalition

Military Appreciation Month is celebrated in May and is a special month for those in and out of uniform. Throughout the month we celebrate Memorial Day (May 30), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 6), and Armed Forces Day (May 21). But did you know that it is also Month of the Military Caregiver?

Month of the Military Caregiver

The Month of the Military honors more than five million self-identified caregivers in the United States. By observing Military Caregivers, we can raise awareness and support for both wounded warriors and the people who care for them. Many of those caregivers are children, who have largely been unrecognized and unsupported—until now.

Honoring Military Caregiving Children

There are 2.3 million children of injured, ill, and wounded service members and veterans who play a crucial role in caring for their loved ones.

Magellan Federal has joined the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Helpers Coalition, a group of more than 60 organizations committed to recognizing the service of military caregiving kids and enhancing support services available to them. As a Coalition member, we have pledged to engage our nation’s health care providers to create a new national model of support for caregiver children within medical institutions to ensure that the physicians, nurses, and mental health and allied health professionals better understand and address the unique challenges military children face at every stage of their development.

Through the work of targeted sub-committees, the goal of the Hidden Helpers Coalition is to create a comprehensive framework of best practices, impactful tools, and action steps focused on supporting the overall well-being and long-term positive outcomes of Hidden Helpers and their families. Through this holistic approach, the coalition will develop baseline best practices for the ecological systems that impact Hidden Helpers.

This commitment reinforces what we do here every day at Magellan Federal — supporting the behavioral health of military service members, veterans, civil servants, and their families — and is just one example of how we give back to the military community beyond our everyday work.

If you or your organization is interested in supporting military caregivers, I encourage you to stand with us to make a difference by reading more at Hiddenheros.org 

For November National Family Caregivers Month, we are pleased to share our e-interview with Pat Hunt, executive director of the Family Run Executive Director Leadership Association FREDLA, on family support organizations and how they help families who are dealing with mental health issues.

Magellan: Pat, so glad to have you with us today. Tell us a little about how you came to the work of family leadership.

Pat Hunt: It’s always a pleasure to spend time with folks at Magellan. Like family leaders across the nation, my lived experience has continued to shape the pathway. As a parent, I didn’t want anyone else’s child to struggle the way mine did – or for other parents to have a similar experience as mine. I was so fortunate to have the benefit of allies in my state – other parents, people in state government, providers – all willing to be courageous and develop solutions together. I worked with 16 families across my state to develop a statewide family network with a vision toward positive change. As a family leader, I applied what I had learned from my experience as an advocate – which may be a misunderstood word today – to help other families understand the impact of policy on service array, practice, access, quality, etc. and to have the information, opportunities, skills and resources to effectively participate. This foundation took me to national organizations, such as the Federation of Families, Magellan and FREDLA.

Magellan: You became the executive director at FREDLA almost two years ago. What are you passionate about in your work at FREDLA?

Pat Hunt: Family-run organizations across the nation are the bloodline of the family experience – flowing from the heart of every family they serve. THEY touch lives in amazing ways. FREDLA is here to nourish and support their work – to ensure they have the tools and support they need to be successful, viable and sustainable. That means we also help states, counties, practitioners, health plans and management organizations by providing consultation and training – because they are interdependent in achieving the positive outcomes for children, youth and their families.

Magellan: What should we be looking forward to in the next year on developments in the family support field?

Pat Hunt: 2020 has taught us that the efforts of peer family support partners have been nothing short of herculean during the most challenging of times. They are innovative, dedicated and resilient. The results of FREDLA’s recent national survey will be released soon and used to inform workforce development, technical assistance, national advocacy efforts and research programs. In March, we will be hosting a national event to respond to the needs of parent peer support providers, their supervisors and the funders and management of their programs. Stay tuned, and we hope your audience will as well.

Pat Hunt is the executive director of FREDLA, the national Family Run Executive Director Leadership Association, a non-profit union of leaders of grassroots family-run organizations across the nation. Along with her lived experience as a parent, Pat brings over 25 years of experiences as an advocate for children with behavioral health needs and their caregivers. During this time, she had extensive experience overseeing both federal and state grants and served as the founding director of a family-run organization.

Pat’s experience includes over 10 years in a corporate leadership role at Magellan Healthcare to advance best practices for children, youth and their families, and to ensure that their experiences informed policies, practices and program development. She previously held a senior leadership position as a conduit for local grassroots experience to inform national policy decisions at the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. She has served as a VISTA Volunteer, directed a federally funded rural substance abuse prevention project, managed a statewide family-run organization, served as president of the Maine’s mental health planning council, and was the only non-state employee member invited to the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet.

 This is an excerpt from the Magellan Healthcare eMpowered for Wellness November newsletter. To read the full article, go here.