Long-Term Mental Health Disability: Going to the Consumers to Assess Need in the Community

Abstract

This research paper demonstrates the steps involved in setting up and carrying out a small descriptive survey of families where there is a person with a long-term mental health problem. The aim was to assess clients' needs for occupation and accommodation and to compare their responses with those of their carers. The results showed that clients themselves most frequently expressed a need for more social contact with others and that there was a significant measure of agreement with their carers in this area. Most carers but not clients, however, also expressed a need for clients to find new interests and a place of refuge when things get difficult at home.