The objective of this paper was to explore existing models of family-centered care to determine the key components of existing models and to identify gaps in the literature.Ī scoping review guided by Arksey & O'Malley (2005) examined family-centered care models for diverse illness and age populations. The literature highlights the need for a move to family-centered care to improve the well-being of those with illness and/or disability and their family caregivers. Yet, without adequate support their own health and wellbeing can be compromised. Community-based services are designed to help families improve their health status or better adapt in society.Families play an important role meeting the care needs of individuals who require assistance due to illness and/or disability. When a child develops within a community that promotes a healthy lifestyle and provides appropriate accommodations to all members, there is a great chance that the child will become a balanced individual with a high level of awareness about his or her well-being. Furthermore, creating a comfortable environment for children to develop is one of the key components of a healthy and prosperous community.Ĭommunity-based services go hand-in-hand with family-centered care. By providing families in need with appropriate services, the community will contribute to the overall well-being of all levels of the society, establishing high standards for support, guidance, and mutual understanding. Therefore, community-based services encompass a range of areas varying from language learning to oral health.

For example, community-based services include housing, employment for parents, treatment from substance abuse, assistance in learning a second language, as well as other services such as family support or respite care (Bright Futures, 2008). While children benefit from traditional healthcare services, there is also great support available on the part of the community. The community can also play a significant role in promoting the health and well-being of many members of society, especially children. Community-based services in the promotion of health for families It is important to mention that family-oriented and family-focused nursing care can only be effective when the community recognizes the importance of family in promoting health and well-being for children. On the other hand, family-oriented care is a much more specific notion, which is associated with the provision of effective healthcare policies, programs, and everyday interactions between the care providers, families, and patients. Therefore, family-focused care is accessible to families, compassionate, as well as attentive to cultural peculiarities (Pettoello-Mantovani et al., 2009).

As to historical significance, family-focused care emerged from the concept of Medical Home, which constituted an entire approach towards providing patients with high-quality healthcare services. Even though they do not bear completely different meanings, it is important to differentiate them. Some may see no difference between family-oriented and family-focused nursing care and regard these notions as synonymous. Its emergence was associated with increased social awareness, focusing predominantly on the social and developmental needs of a child and the importance of the family in ensuring his or her overall well-being. Family-focused (family-centered) care is the term that was initially created in developed countries with high levels of healthcare.

Family focused care