Communicating with Health Care Providers

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Communicating with Health Care Providers
Elder Caregiver Education
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Value of Good Communication

• Shared Decision-Making
• Eases Time Limitations
• Clears Misunderstandings and Confusion
• Encourages Professionals to be More Responsive

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Barriers to Communication

• Patient Focus
• Time Limitations
• Lack of Team Approach
• Mechanistic Approach
• Lack of Conflict Resolution Skills
• Stressful Work Habits

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Suggestions From Health Care Professionals

• Enhance Communication
• Support Treatment Plans
• Please Respect Our Limits

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The Caregiving Team
Care Recipient
Primary Doctor
Family Caregiver
Caregiving Team
Nurse
Specialist
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Establish Presence

• Breathe Deeply
• Make Eye Contact
• Stay in the Moment
• Establish Rapport
• Maintain a Strong Sense of Self

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Participate Actively

• Be Prepared
• Clearly State Your Purpose
• Offer Relevant Information
• Ask Questions
• Be Assertive

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Levels of Assertiveness
Match Your Level of Assertiveness to the
Situation
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Build Mutual Understanding

• Use Active Listening
• Ask for Clarification
• Demonstrate Understanding
• Avoid Assumptions
• State Difficulties and Concerns

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Encourage Collaboration

• Focus on Common Goals
• Clarify Responsibilities
• Speak Openly and Honestly
• Help with Problem Solving
• Express Appreciation for Help

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Resources For Caregivers

• Call
• 2-1-1 throughout Texas. Provides information and
  access to health and human service information
  for all ages
• 1-800-252-9240 to find local Texas Area Agency on
  Aging
• 1-800-677-1116 - Elder Care Locator to find help
  throughout the U.S.
• Online
• www.benefitscheckup.org for an online way to
  determine benefits for which someone qualifies.
• To schedule a caregiver presentation in your
  community at your church, business, library, or
  other
• Contact Zanda Hilger, [phone] or
  zanda_at_flash.net

To find this and other information quickly Go
online to www.familycaregiversonline.net online
education, resources, links, FAQs
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www.familycaregiversonline.net
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What Assistance is Available through the Area
Agency on Aging (AAA)?
Caregiver Services
Services for persons age 60 and older

• Benefits Counseling
• Ombudsman
• Home Delivered Meals
• Congregate Meals
• Light Housekeeping

• Information and Referral
• Caregiver Education and Training
• Caregiver Respite
• Caregiver Support Coordination
• Case Management
• Transportation

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• Adapted from materials of National Family
  Caregivers Association