Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Residents’ families: Through their eyes December 2008

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Residents’ families: Through their eyes December Families play an important role  Most families of nursing home residents prefer to remain involved with their loved one.  Nursing home staff can help families and residents to maintain this bond.  Residents greatly benefit when staff and families work together as a team.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Residents’ families: Through their eyes December Roots of conflict When families are under stress, they may not cope as well as usual. There are lots of reasons for them to feel stressed!

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Residents’ families: Through their eyes December Possible sources of stress for families The nursing home environment may be intimidating to family members. Families are often dealing with fear and sadness over their loved one’s loss of health and independence. Families are adjusting to their new role in the resident’s life. Some family members feel guilt over moving their loved one into a nursing home.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Residents’ families: Through their eyes December How CNAs can help CNAs can make a big difference in the family’s experience, and this helps residents too!  Show interest in the resident  Be attentive to the resident’s needs  Learn the resident’s preferences –Food, time to get up/go to bed  Always demonstrate respect for the resident –Address the resident properly (“Mr. ____” or “Mrs. ____”), unless you are asked to use his or her first name –Don’t use “baby talk” or treat the resident like a child

Copyright © 2008 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Residents’ families: Through their eyes December Dealing with conflict  Listen to the other person’s point of view –Try to imagine how he or she sees the situation –Don’t interrupt  Re-state in your own words what you understand about his or her concern –This shows that you are really listening  Offer solutions or where to go for help –Review what you have agreed to do –Be sure to follow through with any promise