New Developments for Family Caregivers in the Context of Mental Health in Canada

Abstract

In Canada, unpaid caregivers in the context of mental health are starting to receive the attention they deserve. To a certain extent, caregiving in other domains has been already recognized as an essential component of care, especially caregiving to frail elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Caregivers of a loved one with mental illness, however, have hardly been on the radar until recently. This report provides contextual background and a brief history of some recent, positive developments in Canada in addressing the needs of caregivers of family members who have mental health problems or illnesses. The role of family caregivers is being defined with increasing precision. Grassroots organizations and government-sponsored institutions are articulating responsive policies for bringing caregivers into the spotlight. While in its early days, there appears to be growing momentum in recognizing the crucial role family caregivers play in the recovery process in mental illness, the special needs that caregivers themselves have as a result of this role, and the economic burden of failing to accord caregivers a prominent place in any overall strategy for dealing with mental health issues on a national level.