http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26146 2013-05-24T19:04:45Z http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26693 Title: The importance of relationship in understanding the experiences of spouse mental health carers Authors: Lawn, Sharon Joy; McMahon, Janne Abstract: The burden of caring for family members with mental illness has been researched extensively. However, knowledge of spouse carers’ experiences is limited. In this article, we explore this from a carers’ perspective, with 28 spouse carers, using qualitative open-ended semi-structured interviews using a grounded theory approach informed by the social interactionism tradition to collect and analyze the data. We present six interrelated themes around the central theme of this being “a real and genuine relationship”. The findings indicate that caring for a spouse with severe mental illness is a unique role compared with other caring roles. First and foremost, spouse carers strive for the relationship with their partner, and accommodate mental illness into their lives to protect the relationship. Because of this, they often lead surreal lives marked by significant emotional pressure and isolation. This has implications for how mental health service providers work with and support spouse carers. 2013-04-22T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26586 Title: The bond we share: experiences of caring for a person with mental and physical health conditions Authors: Lawn, Sharon Joy; Walsh, Jeannette; Barbara, Anne; Springgay, Margaret; Sutton, Patricia Abstract: The purpose of this chapter is to improve service providers’ understanding of how to work with, include and understand the experience and expertise of mental health carers. This information is useful for service providers in clinical mental health, psychosocial rehabilitation across government and non-government, and primary health care settings, and also for managers of services, to help determine training offered to their employees. It may also be useful for carers and carer support organisations, as well as for those who teach undergraduate and postgraduate health professional students. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26486 Title: Disempowerment of workers in vocational rehabilitation: would self-management help? Authors: Ellis, Niki; MacKenzie, Alison; McLeod, Rebecca; Battersby, Malcolm Wayne Abstract: This case study is a sub-study to a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of adding self-management training to usual vocational rehabilitation for chronic, compensated musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this sub-study was to assess overlap and differences between vocational rehabilitation and self-management as it is currently practised in Australia. Analysis of high-level policy and procedure documents, key informant interviews and an audit of seven case files using an adapted tool for assessing the principles of self-management were conducted. Results showed that payer influence is high in the determination of service delivery models and that vocational rehabilitation as practised in Australia currently does not embrace the principles of self-management. 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26334 Title: An Aboriginal family and community healing program in metropolitan Adelaide: description and evaluation Authors: Kowanko, Ingeborg Christine; Stewart, Terry; Power, Charmaine; Fraser, Rosalie; Love, Ida; Bromley, Trevor Abstract: This paper describes and evaluates the process, impacts and outcomes of an Aboriginal Family and Community Healing (AFCH) Program based in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. The evaluation used participatory action oriented methodology, mixed methods and multiple data sources. The AFCH comprised complex and dynamic activities for Aboriginal men, women and youth built around community engagement, and hosted by the regional primary health care Aboriginal outreach service. The AFCH Program was designed to develop effective responses to family violence that took into account the complexities within Aboriginal families and communities. The evaluation identified strengths of the program including: evidence-based design, holistic approach, clinical focus, committed staff, intersectoral linkages, peer support, mentoring, Aboriginal cultural focus, strategic partnerships and creative use of resources. Clients and workers were unanimous in their enthusiastic support for the program; their stories highlight beneficial impacts on Aboriginal clients, families and community. Other services may be able to adapt strategies from this AFCH to address the needs of their Aboriginal communities. 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z