Caring for Those Who Serve

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a moment when we at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation recommit to ensuring that veterans and their families have the strength, resources, and support they need to thrive. This year, that commitment takes on new meaning with the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act of 2025, landmark legislation that lays the foundation for a stronger Department of Veterans Affairs, healthier caregivers, and a brighter future for Americans who have served in uniform.

That future is built at home. By increasing VA coverage of non-institutional alternatives to nursing home care from 65 percent to 100 percent, the law ensures families no longer face devastating financial trade-offs to keep their loved one close. It also requires the VA to coordinate across programs so eligible veterans can receive in-home services alongside assistance and support for their caregivers—replacing confusion with clarity. And because many communities face shortages of home health aides, the Act improves VA’s Home Health Aide programs so dependable help is available where veterans live. Perhaps most importantly, it requires the VA to review caregiving and long-term care programs to close gaps, modernize management, and make home- and community-based services a reliable reality rather than a lucky exception.

Caregivers—our hidden heroes and helpers—are central to this vision. When they have reliable respite, guidance, and coordinated support, veterans are safer, healthier, and more connected to their communities. When caregivers are strong, our entire system of veteran care is stronger.

We must also recognize that laws alone do not change lives—it is how faithfully they are put into practice that makes the difference. Section 129 of the Dole Act, the Pathway to Advocacy, requires the VA to establish a process to recognize organizations and individuals who can assist veterans, caregivers, and survivors in navigating Veterans Health Administration services. Much as veterans’ service organizations guide families through the VA benefits system, this pathway will let trusted groups—often those already doing the work informally—connect families directly to medical, mental health, and supportive services at no cost. The law further directs the VA to solicit feedback in building this recognition process and bars recognition for any organization or individual that charges fees, ensuring that help remains accessible and free to those who need it most.

Looking ahead, our charge is clear: move swiftly and thoroughly to implement these reforms, invite community partners into the process, and encourage families to use the resources now available to them. The Dole Act bears Senator Elizabeth Dole’s name, but its promise is carried forward by every caregiver who has persevered without recognition and every veteran who will now have access to better care at home. It also signals a VA becoming stronger, more coordinated, and better prepared to meet the needs of those who served.

Most of all, it points to the future—a future in which caregivers are empowered, veterans are healthier, and our nation’s commitment is measured not by headlines but by lives made whole. When we strengthen caregivers, we strengthen veterans. And when we strengthen veterans, we strengthen America.

Steve Schwab is the Chief Executive Officer of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which empowers military and veteran caregivers, their families, and their communities.