Role of the family in case management of the mentally ill

Abstract

This article provides a systematic discussion and assessment of the actual and potential contributions that families of the chronic mentally ill can make to the case management of their patient-relatives. It examines family members' involvement with six major case management functions including assessment, linkage, monitoring, assistance with daily problems, crisis intervention, and advocacy. For each function, the authors consider the potential of family members to make a contribution, specific activities that are more appropriately assumed by professional staff, and any limitations or caveats about family members' involvement with the given case management activity. The article points out that family members are clearly quite capable of making significant contributions in almost all aspects of managing their patient-relatives and that their potential contributions are too frequently ignored or underused by professionals. The authors recommend that professionals give greater acknowledgment to the case management efforts of family members, work to integrate the contributions of these natural helpers with formal case management systems, and provide family members with the encouragement and support they need to enhance their caring contributions.