{"id":175,"date":"2017-12-08T14:11:07","date_gmt":"2017-12-08T19:11:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pbdev.ca\/ocp\/?page_id=175"},"modified":"2020-12-14T12:31:18","modified_gmt":"2020-12-14T17:31:18","slug":"topic-11-how-to-communicate-effectively-with-family-doctors-volunteers-and-helpers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/topic-11-how-to-communicate-effectively-with-family-doctors-volunteers-and-helpers\/","title":{"rendered":"Topic 11: How to Communicate Effectively with Family, Doctors, Volunteers and Helpers"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-175\"  class=\"panel-layout\" >\n<div id=\"pg-175-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\"  data-style=\"{&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;cell_alignment&quot;:&quot;flex-start&quot;}\"  data-ratio=\"1\"  data-ratio-direction=\"right\" >\n<div id=\"pgc-175-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\"  data-weight=\"1\" >\n<div id=\"panel-175-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" data-style=\"{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;}\" >\n<div class=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\">\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n<div class=\"ocp-green-heading\">Topic: 11<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #5ca14d;\">How to Communicate Effectively with Family, Doctors, and Helpers<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"panel-175-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"1\" data-style=\"{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;}\" >\n<div class=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\">\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-140 size-full alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Adobe_PDF_file_icon_32x32.png\" alt=\"PDF\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" \/>\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/11-How-to-Communicate-Effectively-with-Family-Doctors-and-Helpers.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download a PDF version of this topic<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Use the player to hear an audio version of this topic\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-175-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Topic-11.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Topic-11.mp3\">http:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Topic-11.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"panel-175-0-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" data-style=\"{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;}\" >\n<div class=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\">\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1441 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/pbdev.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/t-11.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"852\" height=\"565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/t-11.jpg 852w, https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/t-11-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/t-11-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"ocp-blue-heading\">What You Need to Know<\/div>\n<p>As a caregiver, you will often provide the communication \u201cglue\u201d that keeps everyone informed. Information often overlaps between various people on the care team or in the circle of care while some information is unique to each person. Knowing how to communicate effectively with those in the circle of care can save you time and frustration.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #5ca14d;\">How to Communicate Effectively with Family Members<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>What do we know for certain about families today?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Traditional families are changing.<\/li>\n<li>Families are often spread out and living apart.<\/li>\n<li>Families can include friends and\/or blood relations.<\/li>\n<li>Families have \u201cnorms\u201d or unwritten \u201crules\u201d by which family members behave.<\/li>\n<li>Unresolved family issues and family disagreements will often arise in times of crisis. Even if they don\u2019t, they can still exist under the surface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Triggers for stress:<\/strong> Facing a family member\u2019s significant illness is extremely stressful and can trigger reactions and emotions that are rooted in long-standing relationships. Families need to talk about their feelings and concerns. It is natural for family members to be anxious and upset. Sometimes families disagree with the person\u2019s care choices and that can cause conflict. One sibling may have been designated as the person\u2019s substitute decision-maker and must manage conflicts with other siblings caused by differences in opinions, values or beliefs. In the case of a second marriage, a spouse who is not a parent of the person\u2019s children may be the substitute decision-maker which can cause conflict with the ill person\u2019s own children.<\/p>\n<p>Supporting the family means being a good listener, being non-judgmental and providing honest reassurance.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>As the person\u2019s caregiver, make having a good relationship with family members a high priority. This relationship will help reassure family members that their loved one is receiving excellent care.<\/li>\n<li>Spend time reviewing how you care for the loved one so people feel included and can offer to help you.<\/li>\n<li>Respect each family member and try to understand their issues.<\/li>\n<li>Take the time to reminisce, laugh and cry as a family.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #5ca14d;\">How to Communicate Effectively with Doctors<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1708\" src=\"http:\/\/pbdev.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/docs.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/docs.jpg 800w, https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/docs-300x80.jpg 300w, https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/docs-768x204.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There may be several health care professionals, including doctors, who are involved in the care of the person. It is best if you use your time with the person\u2019s doctor and healthcare professionals wisely. To do that, be prepared!<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Write down your most important questions or concerns<\/strong> in advance and take your list with you. Start with the single most important question or concern that you have. For example, any new pain or symptom must be addressed immediately so help can be provided.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Record the answers<\/strong> (on your phone or write them down) or take someone with you to help listen to and record the answers too.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be honest with the doctor<\/strong> by making sure that you tell the doctor about any other medical or complementary therapies that the person is trying so your doctor has the full picture of how the various medications might interact, what you are observing, if and how symptoms are changing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get to the point <\/strong>by telling the doctor clearly and briefly what is of concern.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>If you don\u2019t understand the answer, ask another question. Make sure you understand the advice the doctor gives <em>before <\/em>you leave the office. <\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #5ca14d;\">Understanding the Personal Support Worker\u2019s Role<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-1710\" src=\"http:\/\/pbdev.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/take-bp.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"277\" \/><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>You may have Personal Support Workers (PSWs), visiting nurses, therapists and volunteers from a local hospice all coming into your home to help with the caregiving. Be sure to treat these individuals as colleagues or allies in the care of the person.<\/p>\n<p>Personal Support Workers (PSW&#8217;s) are what are referred to as\u00a0unregulated health care providers. This simply means that there is no governing body which sets standards for the skills and knowledge needed to practice. \u00a0\u00a0As a result, the skills, accreditation and supervision of PSWs can vary widely in Canada. However, PSWs must always work within the bounds of applicable legislation and regulation and must be accountable to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The client and or family caregivers;<\/li>\n<li>The employing agency that has hired the PSW; and<\/li>\n<li>Other health care professionals who are caring for the person.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This critical job description includes managing daily tasks for people who are suffering from illness, injury or dealing with the effects of aging.<\/p>\n<p>A professional Personal Support Worker will:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize the role of the family and friends in being caregivers;<\/li>\n<li>Explain their role as a PSW in providing support;<\/li>\n<li>Identify how other caregivers and the PSW will support one another\u2019s role; and<\/li>\n<li>Recognize that sometimes conflicts can occur between other caregivers and PSWs and attempt to resolve the issue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When communicating with a PSW, remember that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The PSW is trained to maintain a distance, a separation, a formal kind of relationship;<\/li>\n<li>Your observations and concerns important so share them with the PSW;<\/li>\n<li>Working collaboratively with the PSW making the best interests of the person being cared for the top priority.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #5ca14d;\"><strong>Home care<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Home and community services support people of all ages who require care in their home, at school or in the community.<\/li>\n<li>Seniors and people with complex medical conditions of all ages can often stay in their own homes if they have some support.<\/li>\n<li>If you qualify, the Ontario government pays for a wide range of services in your home and community.<\/li>\n<li>If you don\u2019t qualify for funding, you may be eligible for community support services that often have a client co-payment. You can also get help from private companies for a fee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How to arrange home care and community services:<\/strong> Local Health Integration Networks arrange all government-funded services for people living at home.\u00a0LHINs are responsible for deciding who receives care, the level of care you need and for how long. To start this process: <strong>1. Call your Local Health Integration Network<\/strong> You will be introduced to a case manager or care coordinator. To contact your local\u00a0LHIN:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/healthcareathome.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">use your postal code online<\/a><\/li>\n<li>call 310-2222<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2. Check if you qualify for government-funded services<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Your case manager will determine if you qualify. If you don\u2019t qualify, you may be able to receive services through community agencies, which may require a co-payment. You can arrange and pay for services through a private company. Your\u00a0LHIN\u00a0can help you find services in your community<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Tell the case manager about your needs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Your case manager will tell you what services your\u00a0LHIN\u00a0can provide and what\u2019s available in your community. Government-funded services are delivered by health professionals and personal support workers who are under contract with your\u00a0LHIN.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Arrange a home visit<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Your case manager will need to visit your home to assess your health. If you qualify, your case manager will create a customized home care plan that meets your specific needs. If your needs change, your case manager can reassess your health and adjust your plan of care.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Apply for care<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you qualify for government-funded care, your\u00a0LHIN\u00a0will coordinate your application and select the provider for you. To arrange private care, you must contact the service provider directly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you don\u2019t qualify<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t qualify for government-funded services and believe that you should, you can appeal the\u00a0LHIN\u00a0decision through the Ontario Health Services Appeal and Review Board (HSARB). You can also contact the Board if a service you previously received has stopped or been reduced.<\/p>\n<p>Contact\u00a0HSARB:<\/p>\n<p>416-327-8512 (Toronto area)<br \/>\n1-866-282-2179 (toll-free)<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #5ca14d;\">In Home Services<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In Ontario, in home services are made up of:<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. Health care professionals<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You can arrange to have health professionals visit you in your home. They can assess your needs, provide care or help you to care for yourself by providing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>nursing care \u2013 including help to take medications, change bandages and clean wounds, recover from an injury or health problem, check your health, create a care plan<\/li>\n<li>physiotherapy \u2013 including help for back pain, mobility problems, blood circulation, pain relief and relaxation<\/li>\n<li>occupational therapy \u2013 including help to make day-to-day activities easier and make it easier to move around in your home<\/li>\n<li>speech-language therapy \u2013 including stroke recovery for seniors who have difficulty speaking or understanding speech<\/li>\n<li>social work \u2013 including help for caregivers to cope and manage stress, help for families to address conflicts<\/li>\n<li>healthy eating \u2013 including help to assess eating habits and create a healthy eating plan<\/li>\n<li>home healthcare supplies \u2013 including dressings, walking aids, braces, cushions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2. Personal care<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You can arrange for\u00a0health care professionals to help you with your daily care or help you safely manage these activities yourself. They can help you with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>washing and bathing<\/li>\n<li>mouth care<\/li>\n<li>hair care<\/li>\n<li>preventative skin care<\/li>\n<li>routine hand or foot care<\/li>\n<li>getting in and out of chairs, vehicles or beds<\/li>\n<li>dressing and undressing<\/li>\n<li>eating<\/li>\n<li>toileting<\/li>\n<li>taking you to appointments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>3. Homemaking<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To help maintain a safe and comfortable home, homemaking services can assist you with routine household activities including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>housecleaning<\/li>\n<li>doing laundry<\/li>\n<li>shopping<\/li>\n<li>banking<\/li>\n<li>paying bills<\/li>\n<li>planning menus<\/li>\n<li>preparing menus<\/li>\n<li>caring for children<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>4. End-of-life care at home<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you or a loved one requires end-of-life care at home, there are many programs in Ontario that can help you. You can request:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>nursing and personal care<\/li>\n<li>medical supplies, including low-cost medication for seniors through the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.health.gov.on.ca\/en\/public\/programs\/drugs\/programs\/odb\/odb.aspx\">Ontario Drug Benefit Plan<\/a><\/li>\n<li>tests<\/li>\n<li>hospital and sickroom equipment<\/li>\n<li>transportation to other health services<\/li>\n<li>help to manage pain<\/li>\n<li>home hospice services \u2013 including in-home visits and respite care by trained volunteers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How to make a complaint<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To report harm, neglect or other complaints about home care in Ontario, call the Long-term Care ACTION Line:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Toll-free: 1-866-434-0144<\/li>\n<li>Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>(Retrieved from Ontario\u2019s Home and community care: How to get help for patients and seniors who need support living at home website<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/homecare-seniors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/homecare-seniors<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1133\" src=\"http:\/\/pbdev.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/walk-shoes-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"852\" height=\"53\" srcset=\"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/walk-shoes-1.png 852w, https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/walk-shoes-1-300x19.png 300w, https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/walk-shoes-1-768x48.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5><strong>1. Read this scenario.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Ashira is a 72 yr. old female who suffers from Type 2 Diabetes. Six weeks ago Ashira had a hip replaced. She is home now being cared for by her husband, Sawarran, and a PSW who comes into their home once a week. This morning, Ashira complained to her husband that she is seeing double in one eye. What should he do?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wait for the PSW to come in a day or two and ask her about the double vision?<\/li>\n<li>Call the doctor and make an appointment for as soon as possible?<\/li>\n<li>Wait and see if it reoccurs and then call the doctor?<\/li>\n<li>Email the doctor now?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><strong>\u00a02.\u00a0<\/strong><strong>What advice would you give Sawarran and why? Think about your advice before checking the suggested response below.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #5ca14d;\">Suggested response:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"color: #1b4c9f;\">Sawarran should call the doctor and make an appointment for as soon as possible. Double vision is a serious concern and in all likelihood directly connected to the Diabetes. Uncontrolled Diabetes can be life threatening. In all the other possible answers too much of a delay would be created in getting to see the doctor; therefore, Sawarran is best to choose the option that gets his wife in to see the doctor as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1207\" src=\"http:\/\/pbdev.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/add-resources.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"63\" srcset=\"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/add-resources.png 400w, https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/add-resources-300x47.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #5ca14d;\">Use these additional resources to learn more about the topic of communicating effectively with family, health care professionals and personal support workers.<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Ontario College of Physicians Guide to Communicating with Patients <\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cpso.on.ca\/Policies-Publications\/The-Practice-Guide-Medical-Professionalism-and-Col\/Principles-of-Practice-and-Duties-of-Physicians\/Duties-To-the-Patient\/Duties-to-the-Patient-Communicating-with-Patients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.cpso.on.ca\/Policies-Publications\/The-Practice-Guide-Medical-Professionalism-and-Col\/Principles-of-Practice-and-Duties-of-Physicians\/Duties-To-the-Patient\/Duties-to-the-Patient-Communicating-with-Patients<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Canadian Cancer Society Coping Within a Family <\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-journey\/if-you-re-a-caregiver\/?region=on\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/www.cancer.ca\/en\/cancer-information\/cancer-journey\/if-you-re-a-caregiver\/?region=on<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Importance of Communication\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Importance of Communication\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/83POjnbV0yk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Topic: 11 How to Communicate Effectively with Family, Doctors, and Helpers \u00a0Download a PDF version of this topic Use the player to hear an audio version of this topic\u2026 What You Need to Know As a caregiver, you will often provide the communication \u201cglue\u201d that keeps everyone informed. Information often overlaps between various people on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-175","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","post"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/175","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=175"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2670,"href":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/175\/revisions\/2670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/caregiversupport.hpco.ca\/ocp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}