Caring for the Carer

In Ireland there are approximately 160,917 carers (CSO, 2006). In 2008 the Care Alliance Ireland published a report which looked at carer health in comparison to the non-carer population. The report revealed that in the previous 12 months to the study over 40% of carers experienced stress and tension, almost 18% experienced depression, 22% suffered from anxiety, 29% suffered from headaches and just over a quarter suffered from lower back pain. Almost 30% of carers stated that their health had been directly impacted by their caring role.

Mental Health Ireland has prioritised the carer population as a group to develop tangible supports for based on their needs as highlighted in the recently published research and the tacit knowledge communicated through our network of Development Officers and volunteers from our Local Mental Health Associations. This has led to the development of a comprehensive Caring for Carers Programme which looks at the many issues identified by carers.

The following is a breakdown of the programme modules:

• Why a programme for Carers?
• Looking after your mental health
• Personal Stress Management
• Lifting and Handling
• Infection Control
• Continence
• Entitlements
• Nursing Home Care
• Accessing Services
• Coping With Grief and Loss
• Complementary Therapies
• Spiritual Health

Each section of the programme is divided into workshop style modules and the programme can be delivered over a number of days or by individual module. The aim of the programme is to provide informational and practical supports for carers, with an emphasis on promoting mental health therefore improving the carer’s ability to care for themselves as well as the person they are looking after. It focuses on the carer with a holistic approach their needs. The Programme will be delivered on a regional basis throughout the country by our network of Development Officers and the relevant agencies.

For more information about the Programme click here