Findings from a National Survey of Family Caregivers CD

Caregivers of persons with mental illness may experience numerous difficulties: obtaining an accurate diagnosis, lack of treatment facilities, legal issues for their loved one, barriers with health care professionals, insurance difficulties and often lack of understanding by their relative. Until this year, no national research had been conducted to quantify the numbers and demographics of these caregivers, identify their needs, determine the responsibilities they assume for their loved ones and provide data that will prompt additional research and improved services. The National Alliance for Caregiving, in cooperation with NAMI and Mental Health America, recently released On Pins & Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness . Hear the findings from the report, policy recommendations and suggestions for future collaborative efforts to reduce the difficulties faced by these caregivers. - Rick Greene, M.S.W., Executive Advisor, National Alliance for Caregiving, Bethesda, Md. - Moderator: Sita Diehl, Director, Policy & State Outreach, NAMI, Arlington, VA