[Entering an institution].

Abstract

Changes in the family unit affect all members and in some cases create crisis situations. One case in point is the need to institutionalize an elderly parent. A situation such as this can disrupt the family and threaten its physical, psychological and spiritual stability. In this article, the family unit is an open system, with family members providing positive and/or negative feedback about the crisis situation. The departure of a loved one can create a sense of isolation that can divide the family, if they are left to deal with the crisis on their own. Whether they are able to re-establish their own equilibrium or remain in a state of instability depends on their coping skills. Some factors that influence the coping skills needed in time of crisis include the family's realistic perception of the crisis situation; the availability of a support system; internal resources; and mechanisms available to re-adapt. The facilitator assisting the family through a crisis cannot solve each individual's problems. Only the individual family member can accomplish this. However, the facilitator can intervene by initiating family support systems that help them discover their capacity to deal with change in a time of crisis. The facilitator acts as a mirror through which family members see their own reflections and find the strength to act according to their own capabilities.