Families, systems & health : the journal of collaborative family healthcare
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Family members and friends can be an important source of self-management support for older adults with chronic diseases. We characterized the U. S. population of potential and current "disease management supporters" for people with chronic illness who are independent in activities of daily living, the help that supporters could provide, and barriers to increasing support. ⋯ The majority of U. S. adults already helps, or would be willing to help, one of their family members or friends with chronic illness care. Supporters' specific concerns could be addressed through innovative programs.