Communicating with Your Caregiving Village
As the primary advocate for your loved one, you need to feel confident and comfortable adding your voice to the conversations about their care.
As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's, it is unfortunately inevitable that the disease will progress. One of its impacts will be to make it difficult for your loved one to communicate effectively. They may lose the ability to follow conversations or come up with all the right words. When this happens, you must be the primary voice and advocate for your loved one. This will be especially important when helping communicate with the healthcare professionals, outside experts, and helpers you will encounter and rely on to give your loved one the best possible care along this journey.
As you are the primary advocate for your loved one, we want you to feel confident and comfortable adding your voice to the conversations about their care. Your NAN Navigator is an excellent resource for this! They can help you find ways to communicate with your healthcare providers and even help you plan and practice how you will discuss a particular issue.
Here is some guidance on how to communicate with your "caregiving village":
Find the best communication channels: Ask your healthcare providers what the best methods of communication are for them. In some practices, there is an online portal that you may need to register for. Other offices rely on phone and fax messages. Finding out what works best for them helps avoid time delays and frustration. Also, be sure you have completed any necessary "Release of Information" forms to ensure you can call on behalf of your loved one.
Be straightforward and focused: Healthcare workers are often overworked and overwhelmed in their day-to-day activities, so be as direct and concise as possible when communicating with them. It helps to plan what you want to say and even write your thoughts before your conversation. When you speak, avoid using shortcuts, such as nicknames for family members or other references that the healthcare worker may not be familiar with.
Don't be afraid to ask questions: As the saying goes, there are no "stupid" questions. You must understand your loved one's status through this journey. If you don't understand, say so. Make sure information is explained in terms you know. And don't be shy about asking follow-up questions for clarification or requesting written information.
Capture relevant information about your loved one and share it: Keep track of changes in your loved one's condition and behavior, any reactions to their medications, and other concerns you may have about changes in their condition. Share this information with your healthcare professionals, as it will help them make better decisions about the next steps in your loved one's care.
Listen, absorb, and keep records: Keep track of what your healthcare team tells you, perhaps in a notebook or binder you use throughout this process. That way, you can refer back to those notes if needed. You can also keep other vital items in the same place for quick reference. Consider keeping copies of test results, instructions, and pharmacy information, so you have a quick place for reference when you need it.
If possible, leverage communication technology: Communicating by email, messaging apps, and video conferencing may be easier for health professionals to accommodate into their schedules. An added plus is that using these forms of communication creates a record you can refer to. This can make communication easier and more efficient.
Show everyone the utmost respect: Professional caregivers work as hard as possible to give your loved one the care they need. Showing respect and courtesy while communicating with them will make all your lives more productive and help cultivate a sense of "village."
Remember, effective communication is a two-way street. You must strive to be clear and direct and listen "actively" to take in as much information as possible. This process will help ensure that your loved one gets the best possible care.
More on better communication:
Ten Tips for Better Communication with a Person with Dementia
With Alzheimer's disease, your loved one's ability to understand, process, and communicate information will change. Here are some strategies and skills you can use to reduce communication challenges that could frustrate both of you.
Find your Caregiving Village:
We can all learn a lot from each other as we endure our individual journeys as caregivers. Some needs and feelings are universal, and learning how others manage and navigate can often be hugely comforting. Here's how to start.
Hospitalization Happens: Now What?
Being admitted to the hospital can be a stressful and confusing experience for both you and your loved one. Here are some key tips to employ before, during, and after a hospital stay.
