The role of care givers in mental health rehabilitation

Who is a care giver?

A care giver is an individual who provides care for a patient  and attends to all his/her basic needs. These include medical reviews with health professionals, assistance and supervision of activities of daily living and skills development.

Role of a care giver 

• Initiate consultation with the psychiatrist and act according to medical advice.
  
• Develop daily living skills
• Train the client to live independently
• Referal to a organization providing rehabilitation/skills development
  
• Attention to personal hygiene
  
• Weight monitoring and exercise
  
• Periodic screening for diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia ect.
  
• Encouraging healthy dietery habits

Care givers meeting and the discussions held with them

A care givers meeting is held at Sahanaya Resource Centre Borella monthly.

Issues discussed 

• Problems they encounter in caring patients at home
• Their behavior at home 
• Dealing with violent/bizzare bizzare behaviour
  
• Interpersonal relationships
  
• Compliance with the treatment plan
  
• Mental health awareness
  

Security/financial considerations

• Considering the role of a trust fund
  
• Transfer of lands, estates (if any) legally to them, including the role of power of attorney
  
• Bank accounts
  
• The possibility of employment
  

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