counselling for carers

Hi Pauline,

I have seen very similar questions asked by nurses on the Nursing Times website.

I am not sure if there is no support or counselling available, or whether they might be some if you ask: however, I did note that some nurses seemed to imply that 'we are expected to just get on with it, and cope ourselves',

Best wishes, Mike

PS 'Feelings around death' is a complex and under-discussed issue: but clearly professionals cannot be 'as affected as the relatives' for every death, because if they were, it would be too psychologically damaging.

I find usually the best people to discuss any problems concerning my own feelings reguarding stress is to have a good chat with a work colleauge. they usually understand what your going through, they have most likely had the same feelings.

Hi Roseann I tend to agree & disagree

Hi debra I think the only people that truly understand the type of work and the attachments and bonds we have, is another person who does the same type of job.

Our company understands the need for counselling in care.
Most carers are not as qualified as other caring professionals but the carers are the ones at the front line of care. They come across situations they would never have to deal with in normal day to day life, its very difficult to prepare carer's for the things they may come across and most of them will not have had the grounding of other professionals. It is vital that they can talk with each other and be able to off load situations that they find difficult. It should be made mandatory that counselling is available. There are not many professions that deal with an abusive service user on one 60 min call and then go onto service users who are dying then go onto stroke survivor's then go onto a service user that is incontinent and has dementia all in a 3 hr time span.
Our carers do a fantastic job with very little recognition from other professionals yet they are the ones who get the back lash if there are any issues. We should value are cares and support them throughout their role as much as possible one day we all might need a carer

carers do a fantastic job but do not get the recognition that they deserve counselling should be offered to every carer so they can offload emotions with out feeling guilty,selfish or as though they are subject to judement.

I am taking from the responses that by 'carers' you refer to Nurses who are not on the NMC register. If this is the case i would offer a idea that is widely used by qualified nurses which is reflective practice. Google can show simple methods such as John and Gibbs and this could then be used by Carers who then link into a 'Buddy' or group of carers where they reflect on situations they have. It offers an opportunity to consider what has happened and whether anything could have be changed. This in itself offers Carers support with others in the same role and a structure that will not only help them with their thoughts and feelings but go further to consider if they did something well it reconfirms this to do it again and any area that perhaps wasnt as good can be explored in how it can be improved. Whilst its not counselling it is thought provoking costs nothing except the time to set a group up and can be done one to one , by email,skype or face to face and offers support. As waiting lists in the NHS or via GPs for counselling can be 6-12 months this is a way that can be set up.

Counselling I find when related to work is better with people who understand your situation.