"Like a rollercoaster": carer experiences of residential treatment for eating disorders.

Background: Residential facilities for eating disorders are becoming increasingly common, providing recovery-oriented care in less restrictive environments compared to traditional hospital treatments. Despite their popularity, there is a lack of research regarding parent and carer experiences of residential programs. Furthermore, while the impact of eating disorders on parents and caregivers is well-documented, understandings of their lived experiences remain limited. The aim of this study was to explore parent and carer lived experiences of Australia's first residential facility for the treatment of eating disorders.

Methods: As part of a clinical evaluation (June 2021 - August 2023), 15 parents participated in a semi-structured interview about their experience of residential treatment. Transcripts were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Analysis generated six main themes from the data: (1) When everything is still not enough; (2) They were giving us hope; (3) I just felt relief; (4) I can resume the role of loving parent; (5) We almost need our own therapist; and, (6) Treatment access: There needs to be a hundred more. These themes collectively highlight both the burden of caring for a loved one with an ED and parents' experiences of residential treatment. Overall, participants described residential treatment as providing respite and hope, enabling them to reclaim aspects of their lives that had been overshadowed by the eating disorder. Although not a "magic cure", residential care was viewed as an essential component of a broader continuum of care.

Conclusions: This research highlights the unique benefits of the residential model and the importance of a compassionate care environment, while underscoring the importance of supporting caregivers throughout the treatment process. Given the critical role of carers in treatment outcomes, further research is essential to deepen our understandings of the carer experience and develop interventions that support both the experiencing person and their primary support people.

Trial Registration: This study was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR12621001651875p).