Families, Carers and Professionals

The lack of practical information available to the families of vulnerable individuals - and sometimes a similar lack of resources for the professionals who deal with them - can lead to frustration and in some cases tragedy. In this practical guide for anyone involved in caring for patients with challenging behaviour, Gráinne Smith (author of the bestselling Anorexia and Bulimia in the Family) champions the importance of teamwork so that carers, both formal and informal, can learn to collaborate in treatment approaches with professionals. Drawing on anonymous case studies as well as recent research and experience, this unique book provides an array of practical tools and templates to aid the development of consistent, effective all-round care for vulnerable individuals. Foreword by Janet Treasure.

Preface.

Acknowledgements.

Introduction.

1 Families are fascinating.

2 Families coping.

3 Back to basics.

4 Consequences.

5 Friends and family.

6 Lies, manipulation and control freakery.

7 Difficult scenes and destructive relationships.

8 Resources: creating 24-hour best care.

9 Professionals and carers: pressures, problems and pleasures.

10 Confidentiality: a thorny issue.

11 More assumptions, perceptions and interpretations.

12 Constructive professional–carer conversations.

13 Challenging the behaviour.

14 Communications in difficult days.

15 Actively helping carers cope.

16 Put on your own mask first.

A final word.

Appendix.

References and bibliography.

Index.

"Professionals can use this practical handbook when working with families." (SSTI, 2007)

"This is essential reading for all professionals involved in the care of patients with challenging behaviour..." (Booktopia, 2007)

"This book will help you communicate effectively with your loved one even when faced with very challenging and extreme behaviour!" (The Tonbridge and West Kent Eating Disorders Support Group for Carers, 2007)

Grainne Smith is a former Head Teacher, based in North East Scotland. When her daughter developed anorexia and bulimia nervosa, Grainne became her main carer, and wrote Anorexia and Bulimia in the Family (published by Wiley in 2004) about her experiences to help other carers. Since then she has spoken about the role of carers and families at a number of professional conferences, and has collaborated with academics and practitioners on various eating disorders initiatives, including preparing a CD-ROM for use by professionals and families.

The lack of practical information for families of vulnerable individuals, and sometimes the lack of resources for many professionals, leads to much frustration and misunderstanding, and in some cases to tragedy.

In Families, Carers and Professionals Gráinne Smith champions effective communication by emphasising the importance of non-fragmentary teamwork, effective cooperation and consistency so that carers, both formal and informal, learn to collaborate in treatment approaches with professionals.

Quoting frequently from real, anonymous case studies, as well as psychological research and home experience, this one-of-a-kind resource provides practical materials, such as letter templates for professionals and sample diary sheets for families, with the ultimate aim of developing consistent and effective all-round care for vulnerable individuals with an ongoing illness or mental health condition. The book covers:

• Effective professional/family communication
• Consistent professional/family collaborative support efforts
• Positive approaches to challenging behaviour – home and professional
• Best care 24 hours a day for vulnerable people with challenging behaviour, through consistent professional/family care.

This is essential reading for all professionals involved in the care of patients with challenging behaviour, as well as the family members and carers who endeavour to provide effective support in home situations.

With a Foreword from Janet Treasure.