[Home care services as a social network compensation of the mentally ill].
OBJECTIVE
Research undertaken in order to assess possibilities of social network compensation amongst population supported with home care services adjusted to mentally ill needs. Analysis included scope of support functions, number of networks and its quality.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 105 mentally ill persons participating in home care services program. Research tools used were as follows: sociodemographic questionnaire (prepared for the research purposes). Bizon's Map and Social Network Questionnare, Bizon's Social Support Inventory.


RESULTS
Results show therapists participating in the home care services program as the basic category that composes networks indicated by respondents. Therapists significantly compensate sparse social support networks of the respondents. It can be assumed as a positive influence due to social functioning, feeling of secure and coping abilities of persons supported by home services.


CONCLUSIONS
Benefits noted in compensation home care participants lead to another research question. Further research should considerate an issue of major participation of professionals as a specific block to involve those who constitute natural support resources, e.g., family members or neighbours into the networks.
Akademia Pedagogiki Specjalnej w Warszawie.
Paweł
P
Bronowski
Maryla
M
Sawicka
D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D012946:Social Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016896:Treatment Outcome