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Emotional and psychological needs of those caring for someone with lung disease

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12 years ago•14 Replies

As the BLF Family, friends and carers project development officer, I was pleased to read at the weekend that doctors are being encouraged to screen carers for depression.

Looking after someone with a chronic condition can take its toll on your physical and mental health; but few people either seek help or are being signposted to the appropriate support.

bbc.co.uk/news/health-22478706

The BLF's booklet 'Looking after someone with a lung condition' provides information not only about supporting your loved one but about making sure you look after your own health.

blf.org.uk/Page/Looking-aft...

Let us know what you think!

BLF family, friends and carers

14 Replies

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12 years ago

Looks Quite Robust .... Usually A Always Find Fault With Something Or Anything

But Yes Would Of Thought Ageuk ... And Local Care And Repair Organisations For Homeowners

But Apart From That Think It OK Really

libby782712 years ago

I think if the carer is close to you, a family member or friend, it can be far worse on them than it is on yourself because you are resigned to your fate in a way and tend not to think about it at length, yes, us sufferers get depressed with our lot, but I believe it's harder on those who love you watching your health decline.

Daxiemad12 years ago

Great idea, but I think it should go a bit further. I believe that everyone who is a known carer should have be flagged on their GP patient lists, so what ever ailment they go to see a GP with it is known that they are carers. I say this because my husband has struggled with a difficult back problem for 12 months now, and as my carer his ill health has had a profound effect on me too. And it was only when I highlighted with my GP the problems it was causing us as a couple did things be taken a bit more seriously. Any health problems or physical should be taken seriously regardless whether your a carer or not, but telling a patient to rest and take life easier is impossible when you are a carer with no outside support.

ivyleaf• in reply toDaxiemad12 years ago

I think your idea of carers being flagged on GP patient list a very good one Daxiemad.

Mary

jennywroe• in reply toivyleaf12 years ago

I agree that carers should be flagged on the GP patient list, as I have a few pain issues myself , as well as looking after my husband who has C.O.P.D.

New to this site , find it very helpful.

Jenny Wroe

phillips112 years ago

Daxiemad

What a brilliant idea Daxi. Simple, effective and costs nothing. Just what the NHS needs. Nah, it will never be taken up, Mr Greedy can't make a profit on it.

Love from Bobby xx

12 years ago

Good idea Daxi. I went through something similar with my son. Thanks for the post Katie Julie x x

KingoftheCocktails12 years ago

When I was under Torbay Hospital's care back in the mid nineties plus the THORT team (Torbay Hospital Out Reach Team),apart from looking after me also gave a lot of consideration to my wife(care)This really helped ease any pressure on her.It should be there long term for all carers

Richard

KOTC

sassy5912 years ago

I am a carer and have suffered with a very bad back for years. I do think it is worse now and any stress goes straight to my lower back. I think Daxi has highlighted a very good idea as I do tend to brush aside my health problems and I do get told off by Pete and family but to no avail really. I suppose I have the mindset that my problems are not really taken seriously by our GP but so long as Pete's are, then it is ok. Thinking of cares everywhere. xxxxxx

wellman212 years ago

P S thanks to BLF for making the advice and info available

12 years ago

Hi All,

It's been really interested to read your views on the situation in general and individual cases.

Daxi's point is really valid and I've passed it to my colleagues.

Thanks for taking the time to respond - more thoughts welcome!

BLF family, friends and carers

jennywroe12 years ago

I am a new member. Thanks to the blf and breatheasy group, I understand my husbands illness a bit better now. I am his carer, and it can be a bit tiring, but that is what I am there for.

• in reply tojennywroe12 years ago

HI Jennywroe,

Thanks for sharing your story. It's wonderful that BLF and Breathe Easy are helping you understand your husband's condition. It is tiring being a carer, so please try to take some time for you. Call the Helpline too to discuss Carers Assessments and what benefits you might be entitled to: 03000 030 555

Also look at the webpage or order the booklet to find out more about how to look after your husband and yourself:

blf.org.uk/Page/Looking...

BLF family, friends and carers

SecondLife12 years ago

This is an excellent idea, unfortunately for us it would not work as we have a GP who firmly believes that his first question must be "what is it that is troubling you", everything to him is related to depression - hubby's high blood pressure, my arthritis and so on