Tools for family and friends

Some of the practical strategies family and friends can use to support the wellbeing and relationships of older people include:

• respect the older person’s right to make decisions about their care for as long as possible
• involve the older person’s social and healthcare networks when making decisions
• discuss decisions with other family members
• make sure that your contact details are correct and notify other partners-in-care if they change
• appoint a substitute contact person for emergencies
• show respect for the older person’s right to privacy
• promote wellbeing by including the older person in family and social events outside of those hosted by their care facility
• engage a carer to assist the older person to attend social events and outings
• help maintain the older person’s social, cultural and spiritual/religious connections within the community
• report any incidents where family, friends or staff are not acting in the best interests of the older person.

Your task

What do you think about these strategies? Have you used them before? Can you think of any others that would benefit the family and friends of older people when adopting a partnership-centred approach?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

You may also want to download this poster to display or keep on-hand as a quick reference guide summarising benefits and practical strategies for family and friends when using a partnership-centred care approach.