NSW Brain Injury Rehabilitation Forum May 2011

 

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CarerLink carer mentoring programme
RACHEL MERTON, BIA

 

Title: CarerLink carer mentoring programme

Authors: Amanda MacRae & Rachel Merton BIA

Peer mentoring is a process in which a "veteran" of a life experience helps another person needing support with a similar experience.

This paper outlines a peer mentoring model and its successful application in the context of primary carers of people with an ABI. The long-term effects of ABI on the injured person and his/her family members are well documented, and include a variety of physical, cognitive and emotional challenges that often negatively affect quality of life. The toll on carers and family is significant, with reports of emotional distress, family tensions, social isolation and decreased health and wellness. Therefore, appropriate support for carers is crucial.

CarerLink enables Mentors ('veteran' carers) to draw upon their experience and skills in supporting a carer who is new to the caring role or struggling in the role (Mentee). Comprehensive Mentor training and support for all participants is provided. It was modelled on successful programs in the USA and UK; benefits for both mentors and mentees have been noted by Bush & Coleman (1995) and Jones (1998).

BIA NSW has been running CarerLink since 2009, during which time 9 successful partnerships have been established and supported.

This paper describes the program's benefits for participating carers including: decreased isolation, coping strategies, community resources, a sense of direction and hope, and decreased stress and anxiety. Peer mentoring has been shown to complement other services during both early and later phases of adjustment to the caring role.

By increasing support, there should be reduced need for health service intervention and fewer crises, and increased sense of health and wellbeing for carers.