An evaluation of the impact of voluntary sector family support workers on the quality of life of carers of schizophrenia sufferers

Weinberg, A; Huxley, P

Abstract

An evaluation was conducted of 15 voluntary sector family support workers (FSWs) working with families of schizophrenia sufferers. FSWs completed a diary schedule and interviews were conducted with 15 co-professionals from the FSWs' multi-disciplinary teams and 62 carers from FSWs' caseloads. Carers' problems were assessed using the burden component of the Social and Behavioural Assessment Schedule (Platt et al., 1983)and the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (Oliver et al., 1996). Carers were asked about the type of support received and their satisfaction. The findings revealed the considerable pressures of caring and highlighted the value perceived by both carers and coprofessionals of the FSW as a counselling, listening, information and advocacy resource. The diary study revealed that FSWs spend 40% of their time providing emotional and/or practical support. The impact of this was suggested by the superior ratings of quality of life and lower burden scores among carers with whom the FSW had longer-term involvement.

Citation

Weinberg, A., & Huxley, P. (2000). An evaluation of the impact of voluntary sector family support workers on the quality of life of carers of schizophrenia sufferers. Journal of Mental Health, 9(5), 495-503. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230020005228

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2000
• Deposit Date: Jan 17, 2011
• Journal: Journal of Mental Health
• Print ISSN: 0963-8237
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 495-503
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638230020005228
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638230020005228