ABSTRACT
Case management has become increasingly popular as a means to alleviate the difficulties associated with accessing health care and social services. However, little information exists regarding models of case management specifically intended for work with HIV-positive women. This article explores the practices currently in use at an HIV/AIDS service agency to further define empowering practices employed by case managers working with HIV-positive women. Although a client's active participation in service plan development and delivery is widely regarded as the pathway to empowerment, findings indicate that "active participation" is not so readily defined; empowerment exists on a dynamic continuum with increasing levels of client participation. A model is presented that demonstrates the relationship of particular behaviors to client self-empowerment. Because the needs of clients with HIV/AIDS are continually fluctuating, and because case managers' behaviors will need to adapt accordingly, this model also incorporates the concept of balance as it pertains to HIV/AIDS case management.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/nursing , Case Management/organization & administration , Women's Health Services/organization & administration , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Models, NursingABSTRACT
AIDS: Family and friends of HIV/AIDS patients are informal caregivers that can provide significant social support and practical assistance for patients. However, social workers and other professionals often fail to take a caregiver's needs into account. Caregivers and AIDS patients can suffer from similar types of grief, stress, and stigmatisms. Caregivers often overcompensate for their stress by taking on duties beyond their physical and emotional limits.^ieng
