Carers as partners in mental health services for older people

Jan Oyebode is a clinical psychologist specialising in work with older people. She is a senior lecturer and Director of the Clinical Psychology Doctorate Course at the University of Birmingham (School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. E-mail: j.r.oyebode{at}bham.ac.uk) and spends one day a week in clinical practice within Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust. Her particular interests are in psychological adaptation to late-life events, including dementia and bereavement.

The role that carers play in supporting older people with mental health needs in the community is well recognised by professionals and in current government policy. This article promotes the view that a systematic planned approach that engages the carer as an integral part of the system of care has potential benefits for patients, carers and services. Ways of working in partnership are outlined and evidence that psychosocial interventions with carers are effective is briefly reviewed. Examples of individual and group interventions for dementia carers are given, drawing on clinical experience and research literature. Areas for further development are highlighted, including greater partnerships with carers in primary and continuing care, as well as at the level of planning and service development.