1. Communicating with Health Care Providers Elder Caregiver Education

2. 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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 To find this and other information quickly Go online to: www.familycaregiversonline.net online education, resources, links, FAQs

12. www.familycaregiversonline.net

13. 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

14.  Adapted from materials of National Family Caregivers Association