Communicating with Health Care Providers   Adapted from materials of National Family Caregivers Association

Learning Objectives Understand the unique role of the caregiver in the healthcare team Demonstrate how good communication leads to better health care Know how to prepare for doctor office visits Develop strategies to establish rapport/collaborate with healthcare providers

Value of Good Communication Shared Decision-Making Eases Time Limitations Clears Misunderstandings and Confusion Encourages Professionals to be More Responsive

Barriers to Communication Patient Focus Time Limitations Lack of Team Approach Mechanistic Approach Lack of Conflict Resolution Skills Stressful Work Habits

Suggestions From Health Care Professionals Enhance Communication Support Treatment Plans Please Respect Our Limits

The Caregiving Team Caregiving Team Care Recipient Family Caregiver Primary Doctor Caregiving Team Specialist Nurse

Establish Presence Breathe Deeply Make Eye Contact Stay in the Moment Establish Rapport Maintain a Strong Sense of Self

Participate Actively Be Prepared Clearly State Your Purpose Offer Relevant Information Ask Questions Be Assertive

Levels of Assertiveness (High Profile) Issue an Ultimatum Set Limits of Acceptance Offer a Win/Win Compromise Clearly State What You Want Recommend a Solution Suggest Alternatives Ask for Alternatives Ask Questions Provide Feedback Listen Actively (Low Profile) Understanding Match how assertive you are to the situation

Build Mutual Understanding Use Active Listening Ask for Clarification Demonstrate Understanding Avoid Assumptions State Difficulties and Concerns

Encourage Collaboration Focus on Common Goals Clarify Responsibilities Speak Openly and Honestly Help with Problem Solving Express Appreciation for Help

Resources For Caregivers Call 2-1-1 throughout Texas. Provides information and access to health and human service information for all ages 1-800-252-9240 to find local Texas Area Agency on Aging 1-800-677-1116 - Elder Care Locator to find help throughout the U.S. Online www.benefitscheckup.org for an online way to determine benefits for which someone qualifies. To schedule a caregiver presentation in your community at your church, business, library, or other Contact Zanda Hilger, (817) 581-5890 or zanda@flash.net Review To find this and other information quickly Go online to: www.familycaregiversonline.net online education, resources, links, FAQs

www.familycaregiversonline.net The website is constantly updated. Point to Links, Site search, Web Search, FAQs, Phone Numbers, and a literal English to Spanish translator provided through Yahoo.com. Tools and Resources tab: Fact Sheets (like ‘flash cards’ on different topics); Worksheets/Documents like “Important Medical Information” Legal Forms – link to official Texas forms and how to find other information for other states Online education – everything in seminars is in online format Seminar Schedule – all public presentations