> having to deal with a mentally ill relative (dementia) Long-term in-patient mental healthcare was a thing in the US, late 19th-early 20th century. Sanitarium

> having to deal with a mentally ill relative (dementia) Long-term in-patient mental healthcare was a thing in the US, late 19th-early 20th century. Sanitariums were built with the best of intentions and provided the best care we knew how. Some of the care was awful because our understanding isn't what it is now. Some of the care was outstanding, even by today's standards. The visionaries who started them died off and dollars increasingly outweighed the well-being of patients. Sanitariums eventually degenerated into hellholes and were held up as an example of [vague negatives about public mental healthcare]. In the 1980s, dollars won a total victory; many institution were shuttered. Their mentally ill patients transitioned into homelessness and here we are. My ex needs long-term, in-patient mental healthcare. She's a vet on SS disability and has Medicaid, Medicare and VA. Even with that, long term, inpatient care isn't available for her. Wealth is the only option that could get her the help she needs.