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[Voluntary aids in psychiatry]
W Rössler1, A Horst, H J Salize
1Arbeitsgruppe Versorgungsforschung, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit.
Psychiatrische Praxis
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Lay helpers, primarily older women, provide crucial support in psychiatric care when informal or professional systems are insufficient. Most report high job satisfaction, especially when receiving professional support.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Sociology
- Healthcare Support
Context:
- Lay helpers provide essential support in psychiatric facilities when informal networks or professional services are overwhelmed.
- No prior representative studies existed on this demographic, necessitating a situational assessment.
Purpose:
- To conduct a situational analysis of lay helpers in psychiatric facilities in Baden-Württemberg.
- To understand the demographics, roles, and satisfaction levels of lay helpers.
Summary:
- A survey of 330 lay helpers in Baden-Württemberg revealed that lay help is predominantly provided by older women.
- Their primary roles involve conversational support and organizing leisure activities.
- Despite long-term commitment, most lay helpers report high job satisfaction, particularly when they receive professional support.
Impact:
- This study highlights the significant contribution of lay helpers in psychiatric care and identifies factors influencing their job satisfaction.
- Findings can inform support structures and recruitment strategies for lay helper programs.