Abstract
Family caregivers provide essential unpaid support to individuals with chronic illness, disability, dementia, and age-related decline; however, caregiving responsibilities often place caregivers at increased risk for psychological, physical, nutritional, and social challenges. This literature review examines the mental health and nutritional implications of family caregiving and explores barriers that contribute to declining caregiver wellness. Findings reveal elevated rates of depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, social isolation, food insecurity, sleep disturbances, financial strain, and chronic stress among caregivers. The literature further highlights the interconnected relationship between mental health, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Given the multidimensional nature of caregiver burden, interprofessional approaches involving counselors, healthcare professionals, dietitians, social workers, and community organizations are essential. Implications for counseling, healthcare practice, counselor education, and policy underscore the need for integrated, accessible, and family-centered interventions that strengthen caregiver well-being and support long-term caregiving outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Ratliff, C. (2026). Breaking Bread and Barriers: Interprofessional Strategies to Improve Mental and Nutritional Health in Family Caregivers. The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors, 28(1). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/jramp/vol28/iss1/3
Included in
Counselor Education Commons, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Education Commons, Health Policy Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Social Justice Commons