FAMILY AS

A UNIT OF
CARE
MARCO ANTONIO R. FRIAS, MD
DEFINITION
Sociologic
Enduring social form in which a person is
incorporated
Biologic Viewpoint
Genetic transmission unit

Psychological
Matrix of personality development
Most intimate emotional unit of society
FAMILY
Group of two or more people related by
birth, marriage, adoption, or emotional
ties residing together in a single house
hold.

As a Filipino, it is perceived as the most

basic element of his/her kinship system
FUNCTIONS OF A
FAMILY
1. Physical maintenance and care of family
members
2. Addition of new members through
procreation or adoption
3. Socialization of children for adult roles
4. Social control of members
5. Maintenance of family morale and motivation
6. Production and consumption of goods and
services
CATEGORIES OF
FAMILY
1. Nuclear Families
Either of a married couple with unmarried or a
married couple without children
2. Extended Families
Number of nuclear families linked together by
virtue of kinship
3. Lineal Families
Two or more generation with each generation
composed of one married couple or divorced
person, widow, or widower
CATEGORIES OF
FAMILY
4. Joint Families
Two or more married couples, divorced person, widow, or
widower, of the same generation.
5. Blended Families
One or both of the parents have had previous marriage
and possibly children from that marriage
6. Adoptive Families
Child is not blood related, but has adopted legally
7. Foster Family
One or more of the children are not the natural children,
and stay with the family for extended period through
government agency
WHAT IS A WELL
FUNCTIONING FAMILY?
1. Role of distinctions are clear and there are distinct
boundaries
2. Individuality and a high degree of differentiation are
highly encouraged
3. Rules are clear and reasonable
4. There is good communication
5. Authority and power is clearly vested in individuals with
agreement of all family members.
6. Full range of emotions are accepted, and encouraged
7. Bargaining and negotiation, used to resolved conflicts
WHAT IS A WELL
FUNCTIONING FAMILY?
8. Tasks and chores are shared by family
members.
9. Individual differences in energy levels,
perception time and space are respected.
10. Development of High Esteem individually and in
family develops naturally.
AS A SPECIAL UNIT
Lifelong involvement
Shared attributes
Genetics physical/psychological
Developmental shared home, lifestyle &
social activities
Sense of belonging
Security/defense against potentially
hostile environment
Companionship
AS A SPECIAL UNIT
Societal expectations
Sense of responsibility toward members and others
Basis of affection/care
Built-in problems
Generation gap
Dependence on members
Emotional attachment/involvement
The family endures in-spite of problems
Resource utilization
Authority
Individual sense of responsibility
AS A SPECIAL UNIT
Ability to provide familys needs
Physical space management, balanced meals, general
health status
Emotional helping members develop their capacity for
sensitivity to each others needs
Spiritual/Cultural sharing beliefs & cultural values
Child rearing practices and discipline
Capacity of parents to respect views on child rearing
practices
If a Single Parent, the capacity of a single parent to be
consistent and effective in raising children
AS SPECIAL UNIT
Communication
Ability to communicate and express emotions verbally/non-
verbally
Support, Security & encouragement
Capacity to provide with feelings of security &
encouragement
Balance in pattern of family activities
Responsible Community Relationships
Capacity to assume responsibility through participation in
social, cultural or community activities
Self-Help & accepting Help
Ability to seek & accept help when they need it
AS A SPECIAL UNIT
Flexibility of Family Functions & Roles
Ability to fill in for one another during times of
illness/when needed
Crisis as a means of Growth
Ability to unite & become supportive during crisis/traumatic
experience
THE FILIPINO FAMILY
Closely knit
Bilaterally extended
Strong family orientation
Authority based on age/seniority
Externally patriarchal, internally matriarchal
High value on education of members
Predominantly Catholic
Child centered
Average members is 5
Environmental stresses: economic, political, urbanization
& industrialization, health problems
AS A UNIT OF CARE
Whatever illness may beset the patient, particularly if it is
potentially serious, complicated, or life threatening, will
affect the entire family.
Health habits and practices, are taught and observed from
one generation to the next.
Family Centered care
Particularly useful
Simulate warm, and welcoming place, recovery, and
recuperation
AS A UNIT OF CARE
Dignity and Respect
Listen to and honor the patients and his/her familys ideas
Use their knowledge, values, and beliefs to improve care
planning and delivery
Information sharing
Communicate and share complete and unbiased
information
Receive timely, complete, and accurate details so they can
take part in care and decision making.
AS A UNIT OF CARE
Involvement
Encourage and support patient and families in care &
decision making

Collaboration
Invite patients and family member to work together with
the health care staff
develop evaluate policies and programs