Awareness and utilization of disability benefits among persons attending daycare at Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, NIMHANS, Bengaluru.

Dr. Abhishek Pathak; Dr. T Sivakumar; Dr. Sujai R

Volume : VIII, Issue : IX, September - 2019

Awareness and utilization of disability benefits among persons attending daycare at Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, NIMHANS, Bengaluru.

Dr. Abhishek Pathak, Dr. T Sivakumar, Dr. Sujai R

Abstract :

Background – Chronic mental illnesses causes significant social and occupational dysfunction in an individual. Such patients are awarded numerous disability benefits, including disability pension by government of India. However, there is poor awareness regarding the same among patients and caregivers, especially in rural and semiurban areas of India. Aims & Objectives – To study awareness and utilization of disability benefits among the persons attending daycare at Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services, NIMHANS. Material & Methods – All the files of dayboarders were retrieved and searched for disability assessment. The clients and their families were assessed for their knowledge on disability certificate, benefits and utilization. Results – Only 40% of the dayboaders were availing disability benefits. Most common benefits availed by the dayboarders was disability pension. Conclusions – Stigma related to mental illnesses, poor awareness regarding provision of disability benefits, and red tapism in government offices were the major barriers in utilization of disability benefits.