A tale of two brothers and the incumbent prerogative for a social ombudsman

Abstract

Social support stipulates two imperative components: A structural component comprising network size and frequency of social interactions, and a functional component with emotional (such as receiving love and empathy) and instrumental (practical help such as monetary gifts or assistance between providing therapeutic care and social support. I present such a case where my role belonged to more of a social ombudsman for the care receivers mitigating their daily lifestyles rather than a clinician providing only pharmacological upkeep. This case taught me the perspective of devoting time to patients and their family members beyond the call for duty from being a mere prescription provider to be more of a social aid to the debilitated family unit.