November is a month of recognition and gratitude. As we celebrate Veterans Day and honor the service and sacrifice of those who wore the uniform, we also observe National Family Caregivers Month, an opportunity to recognize another group whose dedication often goes unseen: the spouses and loved ones who care for wounded, ill, injured, and aging veterans.

And when Congress returns to Washington on Nov. 9, lawmakers will have an opportunity to advance meaningful legislation to support their needs.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act]

Every day, these caregivers provide the support that enables veterans to live with dignity, independence, and the highest possible quality of life. They manage medications, coordinate appointments, provide transportation, assist with daily activities, navigate complex health care systems, and offer the emotional support that helps veterans overcome life's challenges. They do so out of love and commitment, often without recognition and frequently at significant personal cost.

MOAA has long supported expanding caregiving support for veteran caregivers because their experiences reflect a common reality: While caregiving is a labor of love, it often comes with profound sacrifices. Many caregivers put careers on hold, reduce work hours, or leave the workforce entirely. Others postpone education, delay retirement, or sacrifice their own physical and emotional well-being while focusing on the needs of a loved one. The toll can be significant, particularly for those caring for severely wounded, ill, or disabled veterans over many years.

As America's veteran population continues to age, the demands placed on family caregivers will only grow. Yet too often, their service remains largely invisible.

Progress, But More Work Remains

Congress has taken important steps to strengthen support for veterans and their caregivers through MOAA-backed legislation such as the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. At the same time, the Government Accountability Office has continued to identify opportunities to strengthen caregiver support programs and ensure veterans receive the assistance they have earned.

These efforts reflect a growing recognition that supporting caregivers is not simply good policy – it is critical to the well-being of the veterans they serve. When caregivers have the resources they need, veterans are better able to remain in their homes, maintain stronger health outcomes, and avoid unnecessary institutional care. These improvements also help contain long-term health care costs borne by the federal government.

Yet significant gaps remain. That’s why MOAA continues to support the Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement (3R) Act, a provision of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA).

The Veteran Caregiver 3R Act would help address the long-term economic sacrifices caregivers make by providing:

• Reeducation, helping caregivers gain new skills, training, and credentials to support future career opportunities.
• Reemployment, via employment assistance and resources to help caregivers successfully reenter the workforce.
• Retirement Security, including tools for financial planning and support to help offset the long-term impact of years spent away from traditional employment.

These practical reforms acknowledge an important truth: Many caregivers place their futures on hold while caring for those who served our nation.

The Time to Act Is Now

Honoring veterans and their caregivers requires more than appreciation. It requires action.

MOAA members, veterans, caregivers, and advocates can help secure immediate passage of TCAVA by making their voices heard through MOAA’s Legislative Action Center and urging their lawmakers to support these important reforms.