Being a military or veteran family caregiver likely will be one of the most important and challenging roles you’ll ever have. Your caregiver journey may vary depending on if your loved one is active duty, retired, ill, wounded, or disabled.

Those who are caring for an active-duty service member are considered “military caregivers”; those who care for a veteran are “veteran caregivers.”

While it’s hard to put a price on caring, it also comes with some real out-of-pocket costs for you. AARP research shows family caregivers spend close to $8,000 per year of their own money caring for family members who are aging, ill, or living with disabilities – even more for those caring for wounded warriors.

Here to talk to offer us some tips for military or veteran family caregivers is Amy Goyer, who’s AARP's national family and caregiving expert.