FUNGSI KELUARGA DALAM PENJAGAAN PESAKIT MENTAL : KAJIAN KES DI KLINIK KESIHATAN KG. SIMEE IPOH, PERAK

Abstract

Government policy that promotes community mental health services under the Mental Health Act 2001, has encouraged family members to take care of their own mental illness after discharged. However, most of the caregivers found to be less willingness to take care of their family members because of some strains. Furthermore, many families were found had not yet receive social support from local community. In fact, community intervention programs and social health care services of the mentally ill in the community are limited. These would influence the role of family caregivers and thus have an impact on care of patient care which was influenced by a socio-economic background and educational level of the caregiver. Therefore, this article aims to describe the related issues, especially about the relationship of caregivers socio-economic background and environment. The data presented were the findings of a case study that was done in the Clinic Kg. Simee, Ipoh, Perak. Preliminary findings showed that family functioning associated with a close relationship between caregivers and patients and caregivers background; too old, uneducated, unemployed and very low monthly income. In connection with this, several intervention programs and policies specific to mental caregivers should be designed and implemented to ensure the ability of families in providing effective care for mental patients in the community.