When your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia transitions into memory care, building a positive relationship with the staff and caregivers within the community is a crucial step of the transition process. Team members, from the designated nurses and nutritionists to maintenance personnel and those in positions of leadership, are the ones who will provide day-to-day care, support, and companionship to your loved one. Establishing a great relationship not only enhances the quality of care received, but also ensures a more comfortable and fulfilling experience for all.
Here’s how you can foster a strong, cooperative relationship with staff in a top Manassas, VA, memory care community your loved one calls home.
Open and Honest Communication
Establish Clear Channels of Communication
From the start, establish clear channels of communication with community staff. Make sure you know who the primary contacts are for your loved one's care, such as the care coordinator, caregiver or nurse, and how best to reach them. Regular communication helps you stay informed about your loved one's condition and any changes that may arise.
Be Transparent About Your Loved One’s Needs
Provide detailed information about your loved one's preferences, habits, medical history, and any specific needs. The more the staff in your Manassas, VA memory care community knows, the better they can tailor their care and provide a comfortable environment. Don’t hesitate to share any concerns or special requests you might have. Transparency should never feel like a burden with the right team in by your side.
Regular Visits and Involvement
Visit Your Loved One As Frequently As Possible
Regular visits not only provide comfort and reassurance to your loved one but also keep you actively involved in their care. Additionally, visiting allows you to establish a presence within the community and form close relationships within.
Participate in Community Activities
Getting involved by participating in activities and events is the perfect way to establish a great relationship with your selected Manassas memory care community. This demonstrates your support and interest in the community's efforts and gives you more opportunities to interact with the staff in a positive and relaxed setting.
Show Appreciation
Acknowledge Good Work
A simple thank you or a kind word can go a long way in showing appreciation for the staff’s hard work and dedication to serving your loved one. Acknowledge their efforts, if you are satisfied with the services provided, and express gratitude, even if it’s as simple as saying “thank you”.
Provide Positive Feedback
If you notice a staff member going especially above and beyond, don’t hesitate to provide positive feedback to the management. While certainly not necessary, recognizing their efforts can boost morale and encourage a continued high standard of care.
Build Personal Connections
Get to Know the Staff
Take the time to get to know the staff members personally. Learn their names, a little about their backgrounds, and their roles within the community, just as they should get to know you on the same level. Building these deeply personal connections can foster mutual respect and understanding.
Share Your Loved One’s Story
Sharing stories and personal details about your loved one’s life, interests, and achievements can help the staff see them as an individual, not just a resident. In an award-winning memory community, caregivers should seek this information, and even build a customized care plan based on this crucial information. This will create a more personalized and compassionate care environment.
Stay Informed and Educated
Understand Memory Care Practices
Educate yourself about the best practices in memory care as well as the resources available in the surrounding Manassas area. Understanding the challenges and strategies used in memory care can help you communicate more effectively with the staff and support their efforts.
Attend Meetings and Conferences
Participate in family meetings, care conferences, and educational workshops offered by the community. Staying informed about your loved one’s care plan and the latest developments in memory care in its entirety can help you collaborate more effectively with the staff.
Collaborate and Problem Solve
Work Together on Care Plans
Seek to collaborate with community staff to develop and update your loved one’s care plan. Your insights and the staff’s professional expertise can create a comprehensive and effective care strategy.
Recognize Challenges and Address Issues Respectfully
If you have concerns or issues, plan to address them promptly but respectfully. Approach conversations with a problem-solving mindset, and work with the staff to find mutually agreeable solutions. Working in a memory care community is not without its challenges. The compassionate staff members are managing the complex needs of multiple residents, often under demanding conditions. A little patience and empathy can go a long way for all involved.
Establishing a great relationship with the memory care community staff in Manassas, VA, is essential for ensuring the best possible care for your loved one. At Arbor Terrace Sudley Manor, our experienced team members pride themselves in establishing channels of open communication, meaningful involvement, personal connection, compassion, and much more. We get to know each family that walks through our doors on a deep level, so that our care can feel like an extension of the care you would provide at home.
Forming strong partnerships like this will not only enhance your loved one’s well-being in the long run but also contribute to a positive and supportive community environment, so they (and you) can truly live your best years to the fullest.
Ready to learn more about the connections and activities in memory care that truly make a positive difference? Download The Caregiver’s Complete Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care.
