BACP is exploring the feasibility and value of counselling in care homes.
Now we are inviting members who currently have clients living in care homes, or who deliver support or supervision to care home staff to contribute to the discussions.
Around 416,000 people in the UK live in care homes, accounting for four per cent of the population aged 65 years and over, rising to 16 per cent of those aged 85 or more.
While many people live well in care homes, it is estimated that 60 per cent of residents have poor mental health and 40 per cent suffer from depression.
There is also growing awareness of anxiety and depression among care home staff and the need for a whole-system approach to improving wellbeing.
A recent report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and British Geriatric Society shows the treatment of depression in care homes is an under-resourced and under-researched issue.
We wish to increase understanding of how counselling can contribute to better outcomes for people in care homes.
As part of this work, BACP invites members who currently have clients living in care homes, or who deliver support or supervision to care home staff, to contact us by emailing jo.pybis@bacp.co.uk