Cultural Factors In Casework Treatment Of A Navajo Mental Patient Social Casework

Long term care of patients in hospitals located at considerable distances from their families and communities often fosters the development of symptoms associated with institutionalization. Although the patient's illness may be in remission, his ability to relate to family and community is thwarted by his isolation from them. Some of the problems a social worker encountered in helping a Navajo return home after an absence of 20 years were resolved because the worker understood the patient's cultural beliefs and customs and was able to communicate with her in the native language. Casework service is especially needed in helping mental patients who have been hospitalized for a long time to bridge the gap between living in the hospital and living in the community. Bibliography.