Family support needs in mental health care

Abstract

A combination of support from the family members, professionals and services available contribute to improve the client's way of living in different areas in order to cope with mental illness and reintegrate back in society. There are family members that play a major role in the professional plan of rehabilitation and integration so become the main carers of their relatives. When balancing emotions and do not go to extremes, caring and support, can lead to better social functioning and there will be more outcomes. In order to balance emotions and do not go to extremes care givers need to be supported. This research studies how well are persons coping with the care of persons who have been admitted to Mt. Carmel Hospital for less than six months and how can their Support be improved. A quantitative phase was conducted and the research sample of participants was the result. Afterwards a qualitative phase was conducted in order to explore more in depth the current situation of the respondents. From my collected data it was found that from the cases studied the care givers are coping with care giving but this is causing stress that for some of them is leading to hardship. They need to be supported financially, practically, emotionally and psychologically. Financial support helps them to cover the cost of caring in order to be financially stable to cater also for their needs. Domestic help is also needed in order to reduce physical stress. Emotional and psychological supports contribute to reduce emotional and psychological stress in order for the carer to be able to care for oneself and address personal problems.