4 min read

Involving relatives in the care process

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myneva

Published: 10.05.2024

No one  lives in a vacuum. Each of us is embedded in a social network of partnerships, friendships, and family. In many cases, the same is true for family caregivers. Their social relationships are an important part of the care process and shouldn't be neglected by caregivers. This blog post outlines the benefits and challenges of involving family members.

 

Why are good relationships with relatives important for caregiving?

Nutrition, hygiene, and exercise are basic physical needs that are met through caregiving. However, caregivers must also consider the emotional and psychological needs of  the person they are caring for . Family-centered care recognizes that these needs are best met by involving relatives.

family_with_patient_care_giver

Studies show that this has an impact not only on people's  but also on the quality of care. The more closely relatives are involved, the fewer errors occur and the greater the satisfaction of those affected. In fact, the benefits of a good relationship between family and caregivers are becoming increasingly apparent in practice.



Better outcomes for care recipients 

Having known the person receiving care the longest, relatives are well-positioned to provide valuable information about their needs, preferences, and health, complementing the information provided by the care recipient  and the observations of caregivers. As a result, care can be better tailored  to the client, which generally leads to better outcomes.

 

Increase client satisfaction

Although dependency is a burden, relatives can provide strength and comfort, helping to overcome the emotional challenges of the care environment. Actively involving relatives in the care process also builds  trust among all involved. Everyone pulls in the same direction and communicates openly. As a result, care recipients generally feel better  and receive more comprehensive support and care.

 

Reducing the burden on  caregivers

Family members usually want to make their loved one’s care as comfortable and comprehensive as possible. They can usually help with practical matters such as administering medications, accompanying the client to appointments, and ensuring that treatment plans are followed. 

While caregivers leave when their work is done, family members often stay close for a long time. This is an invaluable benefit that enables care providers to provide better continuity of care with minimal effort, especially when monitoring medical treatment and home follow-up.

 

Greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Healthcare providers can also save money by involving relatives. Studies in hospitals have shown that delays and waste can be avoided through more phone calls, repeated explanations, more diagnostic tests, and a greater use of referrals. By providing family-centered care, caregivers can make better  use of resources and avoid duplication of effort. This makes care more efficient and cost-effective.

 

What are the challenges of involving relatives in care?

Better quality of care, higher satisfaction, and greater efficiency – all in all, involving relatives in the care process can create a win-win situation for the care facility, the caregivers, the  care recipients, and their families. However, there are also potential pitfalls  to consider:

 

  • Communication barriers: Communication between caregivers and relatives can sometimes be challenging, especially when dealing with sensitive, emotionally charged issues or complex medical information. Differences in perceptions, expectations, and communication styles can quickly lead to misunderstandings.

 

  • Confidentiality and data protection: Sharing medical information and personal information with relatives requires a high level of confidentiality and data protection. Nursing services must ensure that the privacy of care recipients is respected and that information is transmitted securely.

 

  • Conflicts and  disagreements: Relatives may have different views,including cultural or religious views, about how best to organize care. As a result, conflicts and tensions between caregivers and family members are not always avoidable.

 

  • Lack of time and resources: Involving relatives ultimately saves time. However, it also means that there are additional people with whom caregivers must build relationships and maintain regular contact. This requires additional time and resources on the part of caregivers , which can be difficult, especially if they are already overworked.

 

 

How to successfully involve relatives in care

Despite these challenges, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for everyone involved. Creating a holistic and supportive care environment together with relatives should be the goal of any caregiving service. It is important to recognize these challenges and develop strategies to overcome them.

Technology plays a key role in this. For decades, myneva has been developing software solutions to better organize care for the benefit of people, addressing caregivers as well as those in need of care and their relatives. Digital tools make the integration of the social network more accessible and efficient. 

 

Get in touch with us!

We are interested in hearing about the challenges you face in practice. Together, we can find the right solution for your organization. 

Book your consultation now.

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