(Image: A man in an army uniform who is sitting in a wheelchair looks at his wife and child.)
This Veterans Day, CPWD honors the men and women who have chosen to serve our country, embodying courage, resilience, and a commitment to the safety and well-being of others. Today, we express gratitude for their service and recognize their continued strength as they transition to civilian life. For many Veterans, especially those managing disabilities, this journey involves navigating significant challenges, including securing necessary care and support CPWD’s Veterans Independence Program (VIP) is offered to address these challenges by providing Veterans with the tools to maintain independence, dignity, and community connection.
While military service often comes with a commitment to challenging and dangerous situations, civilian life presents its own set of hurdles, especially for Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Today, around 27% of U.S. Veterans live with disabilities, many of whom struggle for find adequate, accessible and available services.Nearly 88% of applicants to VA caregiver programs are denied, leaving thousands without the assistance they need
For Veterans who desire self-directed care, VIP offers a model that allows them to choose caregivers, manage their budgets, and receive support from familiar faces in the comfort of their own homes. This model of empowerment and autonomy is rooted in the Independent Living Philosophy, which emphasizes personal choice, dignity, and connection to the community.
The Broader Caregiving Crisis in the United States
Image: An elderly veteran who is a wheelchair user is helped out of his chair by a man who is his caregiver.
The caregiving crisis is impacting millions of families nationwide, as unpaid caregivers shoulder extra responsibilities to support loved ones with complex needs. According to recent data, over 53 million Americans currently provide unpaid care, with nearly 60% supporting adults with chronic or severe health conditions. Family caregivers are often stretched thin, balancing caregiving with other responsibilities of everyday life. This burden is particularly heavy on Veterans and their families; approximately 4.5 million U.S. Veterans also serve as caregivers, frequently managing both their personal health and caregiving responsibilities.
The financial strain on caregivers is extensive, with nearly half reporting substantial financial challenges due to caregiving responsibilities. Paid caregivers are also affected. Many are underpaid, with average wages for home health aides under $14 per hour, well below the estimated living wage in most areas. The Economic Policy Institute reported that, despite the importance of their work, caregivers face significant “care penalties,” leaving them with wages that fail to reflect the importance and demands of their roles
Addressing the Care Gap
For Veterans navigating the complex caregiving landscape, VIP provides an important support structure. VIP’s self-directed care model is available to eligible Veterans living on the Front Range of Colorado, northeastern Colorado, southern Wyoming, and western Nebraska. Through VIP, Veterans can choose caregivers they trust—often family members—and design a personalized care plan that meets their specific needs and preferences. This approach encourages independence and helps Veterans maintain a high quality of life while staying connected to their community. By emphasizing familiarity, stability, and trust, VIP empowers Veterans to adapt their care as needed, giving them the opportunity for more comfort and consistency in their lives.
VIP also eases the burden on family caregivers, many of whom face high levels of stress and burnout. A study from the Family Caregiver Alliance showed that caregivers are 23% more likely to experience stress-related health issues, such as depression and anxiety, due to the demands of caregiving. Allowing Veterans to select family members as caregivers through VIP helps distribute caregiving responsibilities more sustainably, providing financial compensation to generally unpaid family members, and reducing burnout. As unpaid family caregivers contribute an estimated $600 billion in care each year, the need for compensated, flexible caregiving options has never been more important
VIP not only alleviates some of this financial strain but also offers Veterans control over their care. With VIP, Veterans can stay actively engaged in their communities, foster personal relationships, and live with the freedom and flexibility that can be limited in more structured caregiving settings.
A Veterans Day Commitment to Independence and Dignity
Image: An elderly man wearing a World War II Veteran hat smiles to the camera.
This Veterans Day, CPWD’s Veterans Independence Program is here to offer support of the resilience of Veterans, honoring their past service and their current pursuit of an independent, meaningful civilian life. By providing Veterans the ability to direct their own care, VIP aligns with the values Veterans upheld during their service: independence, agency, and courage. As we honor Veterans, we acknowledge the sacrifices made by them and their families. Veterans interested in exploring VIP and its benefits can learn more by visiting the Veterans Independence Program page.
This Veterans Day, CPWD affirms its dedication to Veterans by fostering an environment of respect, support, and empowerment—not just today, but every day.
