Question

• Discuss the differences between family as a client and family as a system. What are the traditional family functions performed over history that still exist today? Why do some family functions still hold meaning even in modern times? Review the following article The Changing American Family and recall how changes in family landscapes have affected your practice.

Answer 1

Family as a Client :

The family is the foreground and individuals are in the background. The family is seems as the sum of individuals family members .The focus is concentrated on each and every individual as they affect the whole family.

Family as a System :

This approach focuses on the individual and family members become the target for nursing interventions. The system approaches to the family always implies that when something happens to one affected.

Traditional family functions still exist today :

• Procreation and Rearing of children: Family provides the legitimate basis for production of children .It institutionalize the process of procreation. Not only the production of children but also child rearing is the another important function of family. Family is the only place where the function of child rearing better preformed.
• Having good or atleast steady income : Since ancient times family is performing several economic functions. That time family was the production and consumption unit . Modern family do not produce anything but all members are working out side the home .
• Recreational function: In traditional period family was the center for recreation like family visits , family picnics etc. Now a days recreation clubs are entertaining the most of the family. But still all family members are togetherly entertaining something.
• Health related functions: Love and caring family is the best medicine for all diseases. Take care of sick and old age people by family. By providing nutritive foods to its members.  
• Socialization : it is another essential function of family .New born human baby became human being after they are socialized. Newborn acquired characters through the socialization.
• Safety :modern and traditional family more focused on safety of family members. By providing better shelter, food , Take precautions to avoid harmful conditions.

Why modern family still hold traditional family functions:

Because family is the basic unit structure of the socialization. Love and care of family is essential for human growth and development.

Changes in family landscape affects Nursing ;

• Modern children doesn't get enough love and care from grandparents so the nurses responsibilities increased in pediatrics care unit .
• Busy Family members : Hospitalized individual became alone due to busy lifestyle of other family members. Here nurses focus more on these clients.
• Emotional support to patients.
• Health education  
• Family centered nursing care
• Understanding of different culture clients.