Caretaker Coach: How to Care for the Mentally Ill Without Losing Your Mind: From a Mother's Perspective

8.4 million people in the U.S. care for an adult with a mental or emotional health issue. Caregivers of adults with mental or emotional health issues spend an average of 32 hours per week providing unpaid care (NAMI, 2020). These are staggering statistics. Think what an impact we can make if we can empower families to better care for loved ones living in the home.“Caretaker Coach; How to Care for the Mentally Ill, Without Losing Your Mind, From a Mother’s Perspective” teaches caretakers how to care for a loved one who suffers from a mental illness and how to do it with grace and gratitude. The author has a master's degree in social work, however, this book was written from a mother’s perspective. Her adult son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder over seventeen years ago. Before the author received her graduate degree, she was just a regular mom, in desperate search of getting care for her then seventeen-year-old son. The mental health system was not forthright or authentic about what types of treatment were available. The standard answer she received over and over again was, “There is nothing you can do for him, he’s almost an adult.” This book teaches the reader there is, in fact, something you can do. You do not have to sit back and watch your loved one struggle with a mental illness. You do not have to walk on eggshells or hold your breath waiting for the next shoe to drop. Even if your loved one is an adult, there are steps you can take to ensure that your loved one gets the treatment they need. The writer gives proven practical tips to use at home. Read more