Arbetsledares inom social omsorg uppfattning av ett valfungerande stod for personer med psykiskt funktionshinder

Abstract

The reorganization of psychiatric care has entailed a change of perspective from regarding mental illness solely as a disease to regarding it also as a disability. The reorganization has also entailed that the psychosocial perspective has come to be in the forefront and the medical one has become a function of support. The aim of the study was to describe how supervisors in social care perceive a well functioning support to persons with long-term mental health problems. Data were collected by means of interviews with fifteen strategically selected informants and analysed according to the phenomenographical method. Five categories emerged describing the supervisor's perception of a well functioning support given to persons with long-term mental health problems: an existing solid relationship, an existing competent and committed staff, an existing cooperation with the social and professional network, an existing possibility for a meaningful occupation and an existing housing support based on the individual's needs and resources. The supervisors were guided by a holistic and existentialistic perspective where the relationship is regarded to be a foundation for the support. More activity for strengthening the social network of the disabled persons is however necessary.