101108: Support Needs of Family Caregivers of People who Experience Mental Illness and the Role of Mental Health Services

About the Course:

Family caregivers are an irreplaceable resource for the mental health services system and the pillars on which the system currently rests. Addressing the needs of these caregivers is therefore crucial for the survival of the system. This paper will present findings from a qualitative study that aimed to explore the experiences and needs of family caregivers whose relatives were at various stages of recovery from mental illness. Participants for the study were members of carer support groups as well as non-member caregivers from various regions of Sydney, Australia. The findings highlight the heterogeneity among caregivers, the diversity in their needs, and the difficulties they experience in accessing support from public mental health services. COURSE SYLLABUS I. Methodology II. Results III. Discussion

Journal/Publisher:

Alliance for Children and Families

Publication Date:

2007/Vol. 88, No. 2

Authors

Janki Shankar, PhD; Senthil Sonai Muthuswany, PhD

About the Authors:

Lecturer in Human Services and Social Work, Charles Sturt University

Director of Operations, Mental Health Network, Sydney West Area Health Service

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about support needs of family caregivers of the mentally ill. It is appropriate for participants with beginning and intermediate levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. Explore the experience and needs of family caregivers whose relatives were at various stages of recovery from mental illness.

2. Highlight the diverse needs of these caregivers and the difficulties they experience in accessing the support from public mental health services.