Parents’ experiences of caring for a child with an eating disorder: the impact of financial challenges

The findings suggest financial pressures exacerbate the significant caregiver burden and, without adequate financial support, some families struggle to afford essential treatment costs, both of which can impede recovery. Thus, services must address the financial implications and each family's unique situation throughout the assessment and treatment process. Services can mitigate burdens for parents by tailoring support to families' needs, offering foodbank vouchers, providing information on benefits, and assisting with reclaiming parking and public transport costs. Further research is required to assess the extent of the financial burden and its impact on treatment, and to determine which individuals are most affected.