Introduction
It is becoming more the norm for families to have a designated at-home caregiver for a family member who cannot fully for him or herself, such as grooming or shopping. Instead of placing said family member in a healthcare facility, remaining at home allows the loved one more freedom in familiar surroundings. This caretaker can be a professional or a family member.
Caregiver communication can be challenging. Family communication patterns might include unwritten rules about what can and cannot be talked about. That is why a conscious effort at effective communication with caregivers is critical for the family. Fortunately, there are ways of building trust with caregivers that will benefit everyone.
Why is effective communication between caregivers and family members crucial?
Being a caregiver, especially for a family member, can be extremely stressful. Much of that stress can be relieved with proper communication. The caregiver should communicate critical information clearly and effectively. Regardless of established family relationships, effective caregiver-family dialogue is needed for the patient’s continued well-being.
Effective communication with caregivers leads to better relationships between all parties. The major positive effect of improving caregiver communication is that it prevents any healthcare errors. Everyone needs to be up-to-date on health status, medications, and recommended care without the interference of family dynamics.
Family members may not agree on every specific detail, but this is the time to embrace togetherness. The comfort they can provide is unique to families, and caring for an ill member can bring everyone closer together. Having family at one’s side means everything to an ill person and should be encouraged by the caregiver. Family is the caregiver’s most valuable resource. The caregiver can also become a prized resource for the family when he or she teaches them about compassion and empathy. Communicating and working together is the key to success.
Caregiver and family collaboration can help ease the introduction of important but sensitive topics such as finances, estate planning and health care directives.
What are some best practices for caregivers to communicate effectively with family members?
Improving caregiver communication means the caregiver needs to communicate clearly and assertively to the family. When valuable information is lost or misunderstood, the patient suffers, and it leaves the family in a position of being less helpful than it could be.
Caregivers need to be patient during family-caregiver dialogue. Not all family members are on the same level. Perhaps some are more concerned than others; and there may be a gap in understanding the nuances of the illness. These differences need to be respected.
Start by being a good listener. That includes “hearing” what family members are unable to communicate verbally. Repeating a point is not a waste of time; it provides added value to caregiver communication. It ensures that everyone grasps the point.
Keep in mind all family members will not respond to a health crisis in the same way. Allowing family members to express their fears without minimizing their feelings is critical and makes it easier for them to support the welfare of the patient. With greater family understanding and support, much of the patient’s isolation, fears, and feelings of helplessness can be minimized.
It is important for both caregiver and family to work together to establish the healthiest environment for the patient. Both can foster a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise (when possible), good eating habits, and a positive sleep pattern for the ailing loved one. This is the time to work together instead of pointing fingers, as in, “I did that last week,” or “You have more time than I do.” Keeping the focus on the patient and his or her quality of life can eliminate many “I-oriented” arguments.
What role does regular feedback and follow-up play in maintaining effective communication?
Feedback and follow-up are critical communication tools for proper family and caregiver collaboration. Proper feedback should address any concerns and success stories and work toward having feedback improve the loved one’s lifestyle and health. It is important that said feedback be specific. Instead of saying, “Well, Mom hasn’t been herself this week,” the situation can be clarified with, “Mom hasn’t finished a meal in three days. Any suggestions?” Communication is the basis of caretaker and family working as a team.
Regular follow-ups keep all parties advised of treatment plans, what is working, what is not, and help to develop the most effective treatment plan for the patient.
For feedback and follow-up to be at its most effective, it should be constructive yet non-judgmental. Instead of snapping, “You didn’t follow the shopping list,” it is more constructive to ask, “Can I help you with next week’s food list?”
Conclusion
When a family requires a caregiver for a loved one, communication matters. Having a loved one in need of care can strain family dynamics that are already fragile. But for the sake of the patient, everyone should be working together.
- Communicate without ambiguity.
- Be honest. This is about the patient, not you.
- There may be family differences, but empathy for the loved one can help bond families together.
- Listen to words spoken and unspoken.
- Disagree, but do so politely.
Caring for an ill family member can be challenging. It can also bring a family together.