'n Maatskaplikewerk-ondersoek na die sosio-ekonomiese posisie van verstandelik gestremde persone

Abstract

A SOCIAL WORK INVESTIGATION INTO THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC POSITION OF MENTALLY RETARD ED PERSONS. The primary purpose of this project has been to investigate the socio-economic position of mentally retarded persons. The task of the social worker has been established against this background. To achieve this objective, a study was made of the socio-economic position of the families of the patients at Witrand Hospital. As a result of insufficient knowledge about mental retardation that social workers are equipped with during their training , the main causes of mental retardation has been investigated. The researcher developed a profile of the patients admitted to Witrand Hospital, and also described the structure and setting offered by the hospital to its patients. The social worker plays an important role in the treatment and care of mentally retarded persons in an institution. The social worker also acts as liaison between the mentally retarded person, his/her relatives and the community. The particular problems experienced by the relatives of mentally retarded patients of Witrand Hospital, are aspects to be considered by the social worker when designing an intervention programme for the mentally retarded patient. The task of the social worker within the institution, as well as the social work methods that can be utilised, has been established against the above-mentioned background. In order to render an effective social work service, it is necessary to outline clearly the role of the social worker in the multi-disciplinary team. It has been established that the use of volunteers and auxiliary workers can lighten the load of the social worker in the institution on non-professional level.