Rebalancing the mobile: the impact of chronic illness/disability on the family.

In families the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. All family members are interconnected, interdependent and exist in a fragile balance. What happens to one affects all the others. Having a child with a chronic illness or disability creates permanent change in family dynamics. Often roles become stratified, communication may break down and personal needs can go unmet. Professionals, in moving toward a family centered model of service delivery, must assist all family members in regaining personal equilibrium. This article identifies strategies for practitioners to empower families in this critical process.