What Do Care Teams Need From You?
#7 Tip: Stay In Touch With Caregivers.
No matter where your loved one is receiving care, staying in touch with care providers focuses provider attention and keeps you informed. Be positive - you’re all on the same team.
When your loved one lives too far away for frequent trips to their residence, watching out for their well being can be challenging. Getting to know their caregivers can make all the difference. If caregivers know you’re interested and supportive, they are more likely to reach out to you when they are worried. If you request updates, they are more likely to stay alert to the needs of your loved one.
Researchers estimate that one in ten people aged 60+ experience some kind of abuse or neglect. That means 90% of people 60+ do NOT have that experience. Since most caregivers are doing their job for your loved one it makes sense to start your conversations with respect. Become “part of the team” if you can.
- Understand their plans for care
- Find out how they staff. What qualities and qualifications do they look for?
- Make sure they know how to reach you.
- Check in regularly for an update.
- In institutional settings, try to find a staff member you and your loved one have a rapport with.
Of course, even the best caregivers may not have personal experience of who your loved one is and what they need. Your perspective can be critical to provide insight on what’s normal for them, what they like, and medical or emotional experiences that may affect how to best care for them.
Staying in touch personally or through local family and friends provides an extra safety net for your loved one.
- Video calls can provide clues to how well your loved one is doing.
- Encourage local family and friends to stop by for wellness checks.
- Understand the signs and behaviors associated with elder abuse and neglect.
- Keep your local support team up to date on what to look for.
Next Steps:
The first step is to create a list of people helping your loved one. Locate contact information for key helpers then get in touch with as many as you can. Stay tuned for our next tip which discusses medical care providers.
