Providing Help For Carers.

Responding to:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22478706

There are tens of thousands of carers in this country and the very nature of their work means that they do it for love and rarely see it as a job. But the commitment to look after someone who is ill or elderly, is astonishing. Often the care is given without training, with little help from outside sources and is very much a 24 hour shift, 7 days a week.

The idea of taking time off for a break or a holiday is an anathema to the carer; it simply doesn't fit into the mindset they develop.  They feel they should be around their loved one all the time and the guilt would be overwhelming if they took time out.  This can lead to the carer becoming ill themselves, yet they often refuse to seek help from their GP or elsewhere.

I have tried to champion the cause of carers in the past, but my ideas were turned down as the target audience were invariably seen as 'adults who can speak up for themselves'. But the opposite is more accurate. Carers don't feel they have the time to take up appointments with their GP and additionally, may struggle to get someone to look after their loved one if they do attend.  

Screening is a superb idea, but what does a GP do if they find a carer is ill?  Counselling and support is essential, but with waiting lists over the 12 month mark in some areas, can people be expected to wait that long?  

To me, fortnightly or monthly group meetings are perhaps the best way to get support, but it shouldn't just be about discussing the problems they encounter on a day to day basis, there should be enhanced therapeutic interventions such as trips out, experiential workshops and a practical approach to relieving the stress involved.

As always, if you know someone who is a carer and you want some advice, just let me know through the normal email address.