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

2. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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

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

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

12. Resources For Caregivers
Call
2-1-1 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
Review
To find this and other information quickly
Go online to:
online education, resources, links, FAQs

13. 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