Important Information for Mental Health Carers

This resource page is designed to help you support your loved one and remind you that your own wellbeing matters too.

The Responsible Carer

If and for as long as the patient lacks the mental capacity to understand information regarding their rights, this information must be communicated within 24 hours to the responsible person caring for them. The responsible person must be someone who is ordinarily resident in Malta, maintains a close personal relationship with the patient, and shows concern for their well-being. The responsible carer must be appointed in writing by the patient to act on their behalf. When the patient lacks mental capacity, or fails to appoint a responsible person in writing, the responsible person shall, without prejudice, be determined according to the following order of precedence:

the spouse or partner; or
children over eighteen years of age; or
a parent by mutual consent; or
a close friend or other relative of the patient; or
in cases where a responsible person cannot be identified, a healthcare professional shall be appointed by the Commissioner to assume the role of the responsible person.

The Responsible Carer

The responsible carer shall:

be informed by the responsible specialist or by a member of the multidisciplinary team about the patient’s rights, as well as the services and support available to care for the person;
have access to these services;
participate in the formulation of the multidisciplinary care plan;
be informed promptly and given adequate guidance on how to better support and care for the patient.

The Role of a Responsible Carer

Maintain regular contact with the psychiatrist/doctor and/or members of their team.
Attend ward rounds, reviews, or other appointments related to your relative’s mental health, provided there is consent to be involved in their care plan.
Observe how the person is spending their time throughout the day.
Pay close attention to medication intake and any symptoms the person may be experiencing.
Keep track of the person’s attendance at appointments.
Reschedule appointments to an earlier date if you notice your relative is not doing well or not feeling fine. Seeking help early prevents problems from escalating.
Provide valuable input during these appointments, as you are the person who knows them best.
Prepare and write down in advance everything you wish to discuss with the psychiatrist/doctor and/or team members, so you don’t forget anything and feel fully prepared.
You have the right to speak privately with the professor or other professionals involved in their care.

The Rights of a Responsible Carer

Feel empowered and find the necessary support.
Seek the professional help required, keeping in mind that mental illness is just like a physical illness.
Have access to adequate information so that you can make informed decisions.
Understand the condition your relative is experiencing in order to help them better.
Ask for additional assistance.
Be treated with respect.
Request information on the care plan from the multidisciplinary team.

Important: Remember to take care of yourself. Do not let the complexity of the situation overshadow or completely change your own personal life.

What Might You Feel?

Fatigue, frustration, confusion, anger, sadness, and discouragement are inevitable emotions. It is incredibly beneficial to express your feelings, even the negative ones, with individuals you trust.

Do not hesitate to open up and talk about what is worrying you with people you trust.

What Should You Do in a Crisis?

If you have never used the public mental health services before, go to the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital with the person experiencing the crisis and request the assistance of a psychiatrist. Following the assessment by the psychiatrist at, the next steps for treatment will be decided together with you. Depending on the individual’s needs, the psychiatrist may refer them to the CRHT (Crisis Resolution Home Treatment) team for urgent and effective interventions at home and/or within the community. This aims to prevent hospital admission, allowing the recovery process to happen more comfortably and in a shorter timeframe.

The CRHT service also acts as a mediator between the individual in crisis and local services. The service is run by a clinical team consisting of 8 nurses, 2 psychiatric specialists, and 2 consultant psychiatrists, from Monday to Sunday, between 07:00 and 18:00. The CRHT Clinic is located outside Mount Carmel Hospital.

Hospital Care

When a person is at serious risk of harm to themselves or others, they may require care in a hospital, such as Mount Carmel Hospital. Depending on the circumstances, admission can be voluntary or involuntary.

As their Carer, you have the right and duty to visit your loved one and participate in their care. Navigating hospital care can be difficult, which is why making use of the services mentioned below is highly recommended.

What to Do When Your Relative is Discharged From the Hospital?

Upon discharge from the hospital, your relative’s care can continue in the community, to help foster an independent, meaningful life. Specialised mental health clinics across Malta provide integrated support from psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, outreach teams. There are also community rehabilitation centres where one can benefit from the help of occupational therapists.

To access these services, a referral is required from your family doctor (GP), a Health Centre, or a consultant. Once this referral is processed by the mental health clinic, an appointment will be provided.

Additional Information

The more an individual experiencing mental health difficulties engages in activities that interest and fulfill them, the greater their chances of feeling better. Therefore, as a relative, it is good practice to encourage them to take an active role in their personal care, household chores, physical activity or sports, education, or employment (including voluntary work), as well as going out, meeting friends, and joining social groups.

Crucially, these activities apply to you as a caregiver as well. It is equally important to take care of your own well-being and find healthy ways to distract your mind from the daily challenges that come with managing mental health difficulties.