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Entrusting your loved one’s health and wellbeing to others can be challenging. Communication is key to ensuring they get the best possible care so you can rest easy. Here are some tips for talking with nursing home staff for a productive conversation everyone can benefit from. 

How to Form a Relationship With Your Relative’s Nursing Staff

1. Tell Them About Your Loved One

Excellent long-term caregivers want to get to know their patients so they can provide personalized care. You can help them do their job better by telling them about your loved one’s preferences, routine, personality, and history. This is particularly important for individuals with cognitive challenges who may not be able to share this information coherently on their own. Knowing this information can help staff understand their patient and detect anything out of the ordinary if it should come up.

2. Remember You’re on the Same Side

Nursing homeYou and the care providers are on the same side. When there are challenges, it’s easy to take an “us vs. them” mentality, but this isn’t constructive to getting your loved one better care. Instead, think of how you and the nursing home can work as a team. Before you meet with the care providers, mull over what you and your loved one want to change. If there are multiple items you’d like to address, write a list. Then, express your desires clearly. Ask questions to confirm your requests have been understood correctly. You might also want to ask approximately when and how your requests can be implemented and set a date when you’ll check back. 

3. Be Involved

Being involved in your loved one’s life is one of the best ways to ensure they are well cared for. Visit often, not just for your relative’s sake, but also to build relationships with the staff members. By being present, you’ll also learn who handles what aspects so you can talk with them about particular concerns. Be friendly and polite when interacting with everyone—from receptionists to nurses. They’ll appreciate it and be more receptive to constructive criticism or questions from a familiar face. 

 

If you’re in need of quality long-term care for your loved one, turn to Holmes Lake Rehabilitation & Care Center in Lincoln, NE. Also known as Holmes Lake Manor, this Medicare and Medicaid nursing home and rehabilitation services provider offers personal, compassionate service in a beautiful, comfortable facility. Visit the website to learn more about what they have to offer. To arrange a tour or ask questions, call (402) 489-7175.

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