comprising of family members of loved ones with a serious mental illness, chronic schizophrenia
Due to lack of opportunities in the rural areas in India many families are left behind when the heads of the household leave their families in the villages seeking employment in distant towns. When a family member has a serious mental illness the 'family caregiver' takes on the responsibility in keeping the rest of the family together whilst giving care. With serious mental illness it is like a cyclone hitting the family.
Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents; even children give care to their family members with mental illness in the harshest conditions. These 'family caregivers' are invisible for they are never written about- who knit the social fabric of the family, giving care, support and protection for their loved ones with mental illness.
'The Barwani Experiment’ using a three tier model for the delivery of mental health services had the third tier comprising of family members can become a model not only for the treatment of mental disorders but also for primary healthcare in general state.'- Evaluation of a community-based model in rural India
'Family caregivers' who have the knowledge and experience in giving care have not even been defined in the Mental Health Care Bill, Bill No. LIV of 2013 as introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
References:
1.National Mental Health Programme. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Government of India.
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