SANE is in the news at the moment for releasing a report on healthy aging with a mental illness. You can see an article here. It's caused a few heated comments from people who feel as if their challenges, or those of a loved one, are being misunderstood or under-estimated. The financial difficulties of planning for old age on benefits is one key point here that is a genuine concern.
My reading is that the report is looking more widely at aging. It's focusing on how physical health, housing and support can be shaped by our mental health in old age. Here's one quote:
"We've spoken with older people living with mental illness and while their experiences vary widely, declining physical health, an uncertain housing future and isolation are common concerns".
Of course these are also the concerns of all people facing their own aging or that of a loved one. But the issues are likely to be compounded for those affected by MI over a long period.
It's a really tough subject that a lot of us choose to look away from because it can be a little frightening. But I thought it worth asking here:
As a carer, have you thought about it? Prepared in anyway? Have any advice for those of us still burying our heads in the sand?
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13 YARN