Family Involvement in Care Homes: Building Strong Relationships
Moving into a care home for long-term care is a big step for a loved one, and it can take time for them to settle into their new home, lifestyle and routines. This is why family involvement and support are so important, as they help ensure the well-being and happiness of your loved one.
There are several ways that family members and friends can get involved with this transition.
In this guide, we explore how families can build and maintain strong relationships with their loved ones in a care home and the staff, enhancing the care experience for everyone involved.
The Importance of Family Involvement
Your loved one will benefit in several ways from you and your family being engaged with their transition into care. The biggest benefit that we see as a care provider is in their mental and emotional well-being.
Continued support from their loved ones, helps the individual moving into a care home to remember they aren’t alone, combatting feelings of isolation, and sometimes abandonment.
Plus, family involvement also helps the facility to personalise care plans, so that the unique needs of each resident are met, and their preferences are included.
Early collaboration and engagement with the family also help to build trust from all parties but, in particular, it often builds trust which can build confidence in the staff at the facility.
Effective Communication is Key
Open, transparent and regular communication is an essential part of caring, especially when a loved one is in a care home.
Family members should be involved in care planning meetings where they can understand the care currently being provided and the care they are planning on introducing so that they can voice thoughts and ideas to ensure their loved one gets the best possible care. After all, no one will know your loved one and their preferences the same way as you, so who is a better advocate for them?
Family members should also be informed about changes being made to the care plans in between review meetings and should also get updates about their loved one’s day-to-day life as this can provide peace of mind that their loved one is happy and comfortable.
Making the Most of Visits
Family visits are imperative as part of family involvement. These have so many benefits, but first and foremost they boost your loved one’s spirits, just as a visit to them at home would.
Additionally, regular visits allow you to monitor their condition and see the care provided firsthand. Most care homes don’t have restricted visiting hours, and welcome family members to join for meals and activities or events so that everyone can make the most of spending time together and making these moments count.
Participating in Care Planning
Families taking a proactive part in care planning is often encouraged as this ensures the care plan reflects the true nature of your loved one’s needs and the care home staff can provide the best possible care for them.
Being proactive means that you should take an active part in understanding the care plan in place and share personal preferences and an insightful history of your loved one’s health. You should also feel comfortable discussing adjustments to the care plan as and when you think it is necessary.
These actions ensure the care aligns well with the resident’s needs and wishes.
Addressing Unique Needs
Every resident has different needs, particularly those who suffer from particular diseases like dementia. Families and staff can collaborate closely to identify these needs and make sure they are being sufficiently met. For the resident to live in a caring and understanding environment, this cooperation is essential.
Fostering Community Engagement
Taking part in events hosted by the care home creates a unique community feel, as they help bring people from outside the care home together. Events are a great way for residents and their families to build relationships with each other.
Attendance from families significantly enhances the quality of life for residents.
Handling Concerns and Feedback
Families should try to communicate constructively any concerns when they come up. This is often easier if the family members have already played a part in developing and amending the care plan and have built a rapport with the staff.
Working together with the carers to find solutions to problems not only makes things better for your loved one, but it can also improve the care facility as a whole.
Empowering Residents
It’s critical to strike a balance between the resident’s autonomy and the need for care. Families should empower their loved ones in the care home by supporting their independence and ability to make decisions.
Family Involvement at Primrose Lodge Southbourne
Family involvement in care homes is more than just regular visits; it’s an ongoing commitment to the well-being of a loved one. By building strong, collaborative relationships with care home staff and being actively involved in the care process, families can significantly enhance the living experience of their loved ones, ensuring that their time in the care home is as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.
At Primrose Lodge, we encourage family members to play a big part in the care and daily routines of our residents. From keeping visiting hours open to inviting them in to care plan reviews and hosting several family and friends’ events throughout the year, we love to see your familiar faces in our home.
When visiting our home, you are not limited to staying in your loved one’s room and are urged to use our facilities and communal areas. Plus, you are always welcome to join in the day’s activities and mealtimes (we just ask that you let us know you plan to stay for lunch or dinner so that our chefs can make extra for you).
Learn more about family involvement in our care home with a visit to us with your loved one. Call 01202 429514 or complete our online contact form to arrange a visit.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you into our home.