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Partnering with the Home Care Aide
T he relationship of the person with dementia (PWD), the family caregiver and the home
care aide (HCA) is a partnership — joined by the mutual endeavor to render the
highest quality of care possible for the PWD. To make a success of this partnership, i.e.,
to achieve the stated goal of quality care for the PWD, requires the participants’ willingness to
enter into a rather intimate relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. This does
not just happen; it takes time and effort on everyone’s part. Central to this work is the ability to
monitor one’s own attitudes and behaviors.
We can each help ourselves with this by focusing on a few key areas:
Communication
It’s probably quite obvious that information needs to be shared amongst
each in the partnership, but the importance of the manner in which it’s shared may be
less obvious.
The topic of communication is a major issue in all our dementia training programs
because it is one of the pillars on which a good and caring relationship is built. This
consists of many components including active listening exercises, attention to one’s tone
of voice, posture and approach, suspending judgment, and goes on to identify and review
principles of good communication — which are explained and then practiced throughout
the training. I mention this here for a few reasons. Certainly an understanding of the
communication losses experienced by the PWD and good communication techniques
are critical to good dementia care, but they are also life lessons for all of us, to help us gain
insight and understanding into each other and foster a productive relationship.
Empathy
Sensitivity and attention to the thoughts and feelings of the other members of
this partnership, and the way in which each is experiencing the situation, goes a long
way toward building mutual respect and appreciation. It is important to be cognizant
of the cultural sensitivities and values of all parties in the relationship.
Trust
How many times have you heard the saying “trust must be earned”? It may be true
that it takes time and getting to know someone before one can trust them; however,
beginning this partnership with a demeanor that anticipates the trustworthiness of each
person in the partnership is essential, (such as trust in both the intentions and caring of
the HCA and the integrity of the family caregiver).
Collaboration
The needs of the PWD will change over time. Effective care planning will
be dependent upon good communication as to what’s needed (what, where, when, who,
how, how often, etc.); empathy to understand how each member of the partnership is
experiencing and adjusting to the changes; and trust in the intentions, knowledge and
abilities of the partners.
Appreciation
Recognizing the contributions and value of each partner and acknowledging
these will help sustain the partnership.
This may not be easy work but the rewards can be great.
To receive more information, please contact our 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900 or helpline@alznyc.org.
— Della Frazier-Rios,
RN, MS
Senior Vice President,
Director of Education
& Outreach
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