Family caregivers, often unsung heroes, play a vital role in our society. They selflessly provide care and support for their loved ones who are ill, disabled, or aging. These individuals are the backbone of our healthcare system, contributing countless hours of unpaid labor, physical and emotional support, and love to those in need. However, the strain of caregiving can take a severe toll on their mental well-being.
The National Alliance for Caregiving has developed a new publication, Caring for the Carers: A Spotlight Brief for Supporting the Mental Health of Family Caregivers. The brief presents a roadmap to elevate the mental health of family caregivers, stimulate dialogue, and advance policies to address the often-overlooked negative mental health impacts these dedicated individuals face.
The National Alliance for Caregiving strives to elevate the mental health of family caregivers, increase dialogue, and highlight policies
that can help address the country’s mental health crisis. Family caregivers are resilient in the face of immense structural barriers and continue to make significant contributions to their families and communities.
NAC identified four emerging policy areas that could aid in prioritizing the mental health of family caregivers: behavioral health equity, mental health parity, mental health professional workforce readiness and shortages, and adoption of whole health system approaches. Visit the NAC website to download the brief.