Family Centered Care

A chronic illness can disrupt the lives of everyone causing a plethora of mixed emotions varying in degrees of intensity of anxiety, anger, fear, depression along with feelings of despair as well as generating major financial problems (Falvo, 2013). Mental illness like schizophrenia, psychotic depression, bipolar disorder or acute mania are all awful, chronic mental conditions that deprived the patient and family from functioning effectively within the community and usually results in tremendous life changes. Throughout this paper I will discuss chronic mental illness and describe three ways family nursing can promote the health of a patient and their family. Family focused care Family-centered care approach is an integral part of health
A crucial role in family nursing is the provision of education to all the members who are involved in the health care of an individual. Educating the family members of treatment plans, barriers they may face, and stigmas that are affiliated with mental illness helps the family members feel well informed for when a decision of care needs to be made (Barry & Edgman-Levitan, 2012). Having a mental illness can cripple a family in a short period of time. In order to live a dignified and bearable life with a mental disorder, learning everything and anything about the disease will help maintain a source of strength, endurance and hope for the duration of this life-limiting disease. Each family member may react differently to the individual’s illness, educating the family will increase their awareness and builds confidence within them so they are encouraged to become more of an advocate for them. Family nurses can educate and teach the individual and family members on the manifestation and management of mental illness. There is a superfluity of information and blending learning environments available that will help them to recognize preventative measures that they can take so they are able to manage their health care needs and prevent further health related problems (Falvo,
Educational services, community support service programs and family involvement programs focus on the family’s life and development, helping them to understand the impact and identifying their new roles with assisting in the management of the patient’s health care needs (Cole & Reiss, (Eds.), 2013). Support services also help family members learn supportive techniques and constructive communication skills that will postulate effective care to the patient’s chronic illness. Individuals receiving a treatment regimen in an outpatient care setting as opposed to being institutionalized for their illness helps to lessen the burdens that are coupled with the diagnosis of a chronic mental illness (Videbeck, 2013). Involving family, relativities and close friends enhances the individual's resilience and brings encouragement and wellness to that individual, helping to restore dignity and control back in their lives. In conjunction with community and educational support groups having a strong religious belief with unbroken faith offers solace to the burdened soul. According to Akhbardeh, (2011) mentally ill patients who practice with strong spiritual beliefs and who are involved in religious activities have reduced feelings of anxiety and depression.