Deciding to involve a carer at any level rarely comes easily to families. Throughout our years of experience in the care sector, we know that every journey towards this decision is as unique as your family situation and the needs of your loved ones.
One thing we know to be accurate, however, is that families who are involved in their loved one’s care often find significant benefits from doing so for several reasons.
In this blog, we’ll explore these reasons so you can help us help you and, most importantly, so we can help those needing care have the best experience possible.
Improved relationship between care team and family
Despite being designed to provide a solution that will relieve pressure on families, when your loved one first enters the care system, it can be a time of uncertainty and perhaps even emotional anguish for family members and loved ones. It’s important to recognise that this is an entirely reasonable response, no matter the assurances that may have been given.
Rarely are these feelings brought on by the care provider but by the dynamic shift in home life. Prior to carer support a client may have received extensive care from family members and may have even lived with their carer(s) to ensure their safety and well-being around the clock.
Although the primary aim of a professional care at home company is to build upon this foundation, families becoming less involved in this process brings an undeniable change to routine and may leave you feeling disconnected from your loved one or even with a sense of worry. This kind of worry often stems from a fear of the unknown due to relinquishing total control and oversight of care. However, this fear can quickly and easily be alleviated by working closely with your care provider.
What good relationships look like
So what does this look like?
A strong relationship with a carer means open communication and regular face-to-face contact. This gives you the chance to share thoughts and suggestions to enhance your loved one’s experience.
Over time, this may happen naturally during visits, but actively seeking conversations ensures you and the carer work in sync for the best possible care.
Frequent visits also help you get to know the carer and their approach, giving you confidence in your choice and a clearer picture of your loved one’s daily life—reducing worry and bringing peace of mind.
Helping the care team to understand client needs
While receiving care, your loved one and those caring for them will likely become familiar with each other fairly quickly through the attentive care that’s part and parcel of assisted living. However, just as you must get to know the structure of service and people who care for your loved one, it is also essential for the care team to have their best foot forward when learning how best to care for their client.
Benefits of understanding the client better
While extensive experience in recognising behavioural patterns and needs in clients is vital to the day-to-day role of a carer, having prior knowledge of how your loved one likes to live and be cared for is equally important.
This can include providing information like:
- Favourite hobbies and pastimes
- Their daily routine, preferred foods and treats
- How they like to be addressed
- Usual nap times
- Choices of clothing
A carer’s aim is to compliment the life of a client, and having a head start on this information can make the transition into living in care far more comfortable.
Staying close to your loved one
Not only does an improved relationship reduce pressure on families and carers – it also improves the lives of those in care. While families can provide partial care or, in some cases, round-the-clock care, doing so cannot come without an immense personal sacrifice of time and energy, even to meet their basic needs. Thanks to an experienced team of carers, care providers can facilitate experiences that would otherwise be very challenging for family caregivers to offer.
How it improves their lives
Clients benefit greatly from a carer’s expertise, improving their overall quality of life in several ways:
Better physical health – A nutritious diet, appropriate exercise, and safe, effective medication management all contribute to improved wellbeing.
Increased comfort and confidence – A strong, trusting relationship with a carer helps clients feel secure and empowered.
Enhanced personal care – Family members’ knowledge of their loved one’s preferences ensures care is more tailored and meaningful.
Greater peace of mind – With less personal strain, families can focus on quality time rather than direct care responsibilities.
By working together, carers and families create a supportive, reassuring environment where clients feel heard, respected, and truly cared for.
If you’d like to learn more about the various types of care or would like to learn more about the day-to-day of the care system, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, who will be happy to answer your queries about your individual care needs.
