Rebalancing the mobile: the impact of chronic illness/disability on the family.
In families the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. All family members are interconnected, interdependent and exist in a fragile balance. What happens to one affects all the others. Having a child with a chronic illness or disability creates permanent change in family dynamics. Often roles become stratified, communication may break down and personal needs can go unmet. Professionals, in moving toward a family centered model of service delivery, must assist all family members in regaining personal equilibrium. This article identifies strategies for practitioners to empower families in this critical process.
May
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National Fathers' Network, Merrywood School, Bellevue, WA 98008.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004194:Disease; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D012801:Sibling Relations; D012944:Social Support