Communicating with Health Care Providers Elder Caregiver Education

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

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

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

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

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

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

Match Your Level of Assertiveness to the Situation 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 Levels of Assertiveness

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

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

Resources For Caregivers  Call  throughout Texas. Provides information and access to health and human service information for all ages  to find local Texas Area Agency on Aging  Elder Care Locator to find help throughout the U.S.  Online  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) or To find this and other information quickly Go online to: online education, resources, links, FAQs

What Assistance is Available through the Area Agency on Aging (AAA)?  Information and Referral  Caregiver Education and Training  Caregiver Respite  Caregiver Support Coordination  Case Management  Transportation  Benefits Counseling  Ombudsman  Home Delivered Meals  Congregate Meals  Light Housekeeping Services for persons age 60 and older Caregiver Services

 Adapted from materials of National Family Caregivers Association