Understanding the Economic Value and Impacts on Informal Carers of People Living with Mental Health Conditions

Abstract

Informal carers play a vital role in supporting people living with mental health conditions, but comparatively little is known about the economic value of caring. This study undertook an online survey of adult informal carers supporting adults with mental health conditions to better understand the impacts of caring on carer quality of life, levels of loneliness, finances and employment, as well as estimate the economic value of time spent caring. In total, 712 carers participated in the multi-national survey between August 2019 and April 2020. A total of 17% were male, with a mean age of 53, and 68% supported a child living with a mental health condition. A total of 56% of care recipients were male, with a mean age of 37. Adverse impacts on quality of life, loneliness and personal finances were greatest in carers living with care recipients. Overall mean weekly hours of care were 43.42, rising to 65.41 for carers living with care recipients. Mean weekly costs of care per carer ranged from €660 to €2223 depending on living arrangements. Annual costs ranged between €34,960 and €125,412, depending on living arrangements and valuation method. Informal care costs are substantial, and policy makers should consider investing more in carer support, especially for carers living with care recipients.

Quantifying the economic value of earlier and enhanced management of anorexia nervosa for adults in England, Germany and Spain: improving the care pathway

“…Our model indicates a substantial economic case for care pathway enhancement, yet our estimates of benefits are likely to be conservative, as we have not considered wider benefits, for instance reducing what can be substantial mental and physical health impacts, as well as time out of work, to informal carers [76] of better AN treatment. There will be additional benefits if productivity losses related to lower rates of participation in employment by people with AN, as well as potentially reduced performance (presenteeism) while at work, can be reduced.…”

Ageing with Interstitial lung disease: preserving health and well being

“…Pre-COVID-19 loneliness measured in several countries suggested epidemic proportions in the ageing and those with chronic health conditions [137,139 ▪▪ ,140,141,142 ▪▪ ]. Loneliness, depression and mortality are accelerated to significant proportions in family caregivers as well as in many people living with ILD [132 ▪ ,143 ▪▪ ,144 ▪▪ ,145–149,150 ▪▪ ,151–154].…”

Technology Acceptance of a Mobile Application to Support Family Caregivers in a Long-Term Care Facility

“…4,7 In some cases, they provide up to 30 to 43 hours of care per week. 4,23 The total cost of caregiver activities is estimated at approximately 3% of the gross domestic product in Sweden, equivalent to 16.3 billion United States Dollars. 23 Family caregivers of individuals living in LTC facilities provide essential care through daily care activities, emotional support, and advocacy.…”

“…4,23 The total cost of caregiver activities is estimated at approximately 3% of the gross domestic product in Sweden, equivalent to 16.3 billion United States Dollars. 23 Family caregivers of individuals living in LTC facilities provide essential care through daily care activities, emotional support, and advocacy. 24 Family caregivers visit their care recipient several times per week to provide direct care (ie, bathing, toileting) and meals, and manage and monitor the care recipient's quality of life [24][25][26] .…”