How can I find counselling support for a carer?

[Jpkfrd]

Hello
My elderly stepmother was recently diagnosed and my equally elderly father, who has his own health issues, is starting to struggle with the emotional and physical changes he is trying to accommodate as her behaviour is altering. He has reached the point where stoicism has had to give way to a reluctant acknowledgement to me and my siblings that he can't cope with this additional stress. While we are helping to put some practical options in place, all the while knowing that his wife is very resistant to any such offers. It's clear that his primary need at the moment is to be able to talk to someone/a professional freely, outside friends and family, to offload some of the anxiety he is carrying around with him. I would be most grateful to hear any anecdotal information anyone may have about experiences with the various helplines available, and which might be deemed the most appropriate one for him at this stage? Thank you very much for reading this.

 

[Helly68]

@Jpkfrd - I had counselling for a number of issues, including being a carer for my mother, who had mixed dementia. I was able to self refer via services offered locally by MIND (other providers are available) on the NHS. I saw a counsellor for about six weeks, and I did find it helpful to talk about experiences and techniques for coping. I went to a local mental health centre for the sessions, not sure whether these are fully now reopened after COVID. I was lucky that waiting lists were not that long and NHS services for talking therapy - or sometimes referred to as IAPT services, after a policy term - were available locally. I hope you find something local to your father.

 

[Jpkfrd]

@Jpkfrd - I had counselling for a number of issues, including being a carer for my mother, who had mixed dementia. I was able to self refer via services offered locally by MIND (other providers are available) on the NHS. I saw a counsellor for about six weeks, and I did find it helpful to talk about experiences and techniques for coping. I went to a local mental health centre for the sessions, not sure whether these are fully now reopened after COVID. I was lucky that waiting lists were not that long and NHS services for talking therapy - or sometimes referred to as IAPT services, after a policy term - were available locally. I hope you find something local to your father.

Thank you so much, this is invaluable advice.

 

[silkiest]

Hi @Jpkfrd, the standard counselling through the NHS is 6 sessions, a lot of it in our area is online so that might not be the best for your dad. Our local council supports an agency called "Carers Count" which offers advice, support and 3 counselling sessions. It might be worth checking your local councils website to see what there is locally.
Admiral Nurses are specialist nurses whose role is to support carers of people with dementia. We have nurses based locally and I have found they can give useful advice re local services and referral if needed. I ring our local service but they also have a nationwide helpline and they could give your dad a good sounding board and practical advice. Admiral Nurse Helpline : 08008886678

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[nita]

I saw a counsellor at our local Carers' hub. There might be one in your father's area. Ours is based in the local voluntary services centre. This counselling was for 6 sessions that were free.