The transition to long-term care can be challenging for your loved one and your family. While it might seem like caregiving is now the sole responsibility of professionals, your family’s involvement remains crucial to creating a supportive environment for your loved one. Staying connected can make all the difference in how they feel and the quality of care they receive.
Getting involved in the care process allows you to advocate for your loved one, ensure their needs are met and help them feel comfortable. Whether making decisions, visiting or simply offering emotional support, your role in their care is invaluable.
Why Family Involvement is Essential
You and your family not only provide a sense of love and familiarity but also personal insights into your senior that can help the staff enhance their quality of care. Your family can act as a team of advocates to ensure the staff understands your loved one’s specific needs, preferences and medical history. Taking an active role in your mom or dad’s care can also reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety.
Emotional Support: How Your Presence Boosts Well-Being
Stability and comfort: Seeing familiar faces can ease your senior’s stress and anxiety. Family members provide a sense of security that can help your loved one feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Encouragement and motivation: Regular visits give your loved one something to look forward to as they get accustomed to their surroundings. You and your family can motivate your loved one to participate in activities and stay committed to their health goals.
Improved mental health: A strong family presence can combat loneliness, a common challenge for those new to long-term care. Visits from family and friends can improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression and promote positivity.
Enhancing Communication Between Family and Healthcare Providers
As a family member, you may need to serve as a liaison between healthcare staff and your senior. Doing so allows you to advocate for your loved one’s preferences and needs, ensuring a more personalized care plan. Communication allows healthcare providers to deliver tailored care that addresses your mom or dad’s specific concerns.
You are also well-versed in your loved one’s behaviors and symptoms to notice when their condition requires more attention, which is crucial insight for staff.
Collaborating to Create Personalized Care Plans
Working closely with caregivers and healthcare professionals allows you to contribute to your loved one’s care plan. Information including your senior’s medical history, personality, wellness goals and special requirements helps their caregivers establish an individualized approach to their treatment. As care needs evolve, you can continue to collaborate with the care team as your loved one’s needs evolve to ensure their treatment aligns with their wellness goals.
Working with your senior’s care staff also fosters a strong working relationship between all parties, promoting a more supportive and comfortable environment for your loved one.
How to Stay Involved and Build a Supportive Network
Even if you can’t be present as much as you’d like, there are still plenty of ways to stay engaged in your loved one’s care. Calling regularly, scheduling video chats and sending cards and letters can help maintain social connections. Many facilities encourage virtual family meetings, so you can stay in the loop about your loved one’s progress.
Check on your loved one’s health and ensure their needs are being met. Attend family events and meetings to discuss care plans and connect with other families. Staying involved can help you feel more confident in your senior’s care, creating a stronger sense of community.
Comprehensive Long-Term Care at Embassy Healthcare
At Embassy Healthcare, we believe that family involvement is key to delivering high-quality care. Our team works closely with families to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care, emotionally and physically. Schedule a visit to learn more about our long-term care services.
