The "Misericordia" Association as an example of good practices of humanization of treatment of patients with mental disorders

Abstract

Helping the sick has become a part of the social life. The organization of the institutional aid has been imporving. More and more people get involved in the philanthropy, volunteering, and charity activities. The desire to help the sick, the disabled, children or the elderly triggers good in people and the willingness to share both material goods and, what is most important, time, company and presence. People with mental disorders constitute this unique group that is often perceived as a closed and inaccessible group. This article presents the characteristics of the functioning of a psychiatric hospital based on the concept of total institutions by Erving Goffman and a specific attempt to humanize the treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders. Then, as an example of good practices in this area, the Association of Help for the Sick “Misericordia” from Lublin will be presented, which supports and helps people suffering from various diseases and mental disorders to be able to function independently in the social space as best they can. The article presents the history of the association, the profile of its founder and associates, as well as the nature of work with people with disabilities.