Community Rehabilitation: Working in Partnership with Families and

CarersDr Khadija Chaudhry – Clinical PsychologistFrances Chalmers – Occupational Therapist

Clinical Specialist

ICANHO Specialist Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre

Session OutlineBackground Ways of working with families and carers at

IcanhoPractical exerciseFeedback

Background: Research EvidenceCarers of people with stroke are vulnerable

to difficulties in coping and to depression (Grant et al., 2004)

Caregiver burden following stroke has been identified as a significant health concern (Rigby et al., 2009)

Carers suffer a significant loss in their quality of life compared to the general population (Mar et al., 2011)

Background: Stroke Strategy 2007 Strokes have a huge effect on people and

upon their families (NSS, 2007)Reportedly there is not enough information

for carersCarer involvement is vital in making

decisions about treatmentCarers are vulnerable

National Strategy for Carers (2008)When carers asked what mattered the

most to them, they identified:Freedom to have a life of their ownMaintaining their own health and well beingConfidence in the standard and reliability of

servicesFeeling that they share responsibility with

service providersA say in the way services are provided – carers

expect that professionals should listen to and respect their views

Other important documents“Recognised, valued and supported – Next

steps for Carers Strategy (2010)”

“The New Deal for Carers (2007)”

Carers Journey with IcanhoOpen referral, carers or families can referScreeningCarers AssessmentCarer involvement in feedback/planning meetingCarer involvement in person centred rehab programme

- Carers can be involved in clinical sessions, with clients permissionCarer support sessionsCarer Education DaysKidz GroupsSecondary Stroke Prevention Groups

Signposting

Carers AssessmentTo assess carers needs/expectationsChange/loss of roleEstablish ways of coping - what is

working/not workingCarer burden/stressRelationship changes

Carer involvement in Feedback/planning meetingCarer/family encouraged to attendTherapy Outcome Measures (TOMs)Feedback on the assessment processActive participation encouraged in planningActive involvement in the planning of review

meetings

Carer Involvement in Person Centred Rehab ProgrammeCollaborative goal setting with client and the

carersInclusion of family/carer in rehab sessionsFeedback to carer on session outcomes

Rehab Programme - Carer Support SessionsIndividual psychology therapy sessions for

carersRecognising and valuing carers inputRecognition of their own needsCouples Therapy (including sexual issues)Safeguarding issuesPsychoeducation

Carer Education DaysQuarterlyIntroduction to the brainCommunication issuesAttention and memoryChanges in emotion and behaviourPhysical issuesEpilepsy Opportunities for questions and discussionOpportunity for carer networkingFree lunch and refreshments

Kidz GroupsOnce or twice a yearIn school holidaysEducation about stroke in a child friendly

way Age appropriateOpportunity to meet other children in similar

circumstances

Secondary Stroke Prevention GroupsBaseline measures e.g., BMIPromotion of healthy eatingLifestyleExerciseSmoking cessationAlcohol

Practical ExerciseHow does your service involve carers and families?

Feedback

Any Questions