Parents and others caring for loved ones with mental illness endanger their own health as they labor, often for years at a time with little support, to navigate an unfriendly treatment system, an advocacy group said Tuesday in a report recommending more assistance for affected families.
The report by the National Alliance for Caregiving said at least 8.4 million Americans care for an adult family member with an emotional or mental health issue. On average, they provide 32 hours of care a week, have done so for about nine years and, despite their advancing age, have made no long-term plans for their financially dependent loved ones. Many feel socially isolated. Only 35 percent of the 1,601 caregivers surveyed said they have other relatives or friends to help.
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