Caregivers as money managers for adults with severe mental illness: how treatment providers can help.
OBJECTIVE
To review the prevalence, benefits, and problems associated with families who, either informally or formally as representative payees, manage money for adults with severe mental illness.


METHODS
Based on empirical research and clinical cases, suggestions are offered for minimizing downsides and capitalizing upon benefits of family money management.


RESULTS
The findings and case vignettes demonstrate four specific strategies for treatment providers: facilitating collaboration, increasing knowledge about disability funds, improving money-management skills, and developing plans for financial decision-making.


CONCLUSIONS
By following these recommendations and becoming aware of whether their clients had family money managers, clinicians can promote independent functioning and family support for a substantial number of people with severe mental illness.
Elbogen
Eric B
EB
Forensic Psychiatry Program and Clinic, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. eric.elbogen@unc.edu
Wilder
Christine
C
Swartz
Marvin S
MS
Swanson
Jeffrey W
JW
D000328:Adult; D032721:Adult Children / Q000523:psychology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D004467:Economics; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010350:Patient Credit and Collection; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012943:Social Security / Q000191:economics