Key points:
- Aged care facilities should be making the effort to make sure the transition into the Residential Aged Care facility is as stress-free and smooth as possible
- Creating strong relationships with care staff can make one feel more comfortable receiving aged care related services
- Should a resident or loved one have a complaint, the aged care provider is required to document and listen to any concerns
Building close relationships in aged care is a crucial factor to enjoy your new residence in a Residential Aged Care facility.
When moving to a new home it’s important to make oneself familiar in your new environment
- Get to know how your facility runs,
- Spend some time with your new neighbours and develop strong relationships with staff and carers at the aged care facility.
“Building close relationships in an aged care facility is crucial to enjoying your stay”, says Nino DiSisto, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Clayton Church Homes (CCH) in South Australia.
He adds it is also important that staff and carers do the same when they have a new resident move into a facility.
It’s important to understand that each resident has different needs. Listening, spending time with residents and their families creates understanding that carers genuinely want the best for them,” says Mr DiSisto.
“By having this bond with residents, our carers feel comforted they are making a real difference to the quality of their lives, which is a rewarding experience.”
Tips for developing relationships at a new home
It is vital new residents are open and honest about their likes and dislikes when moving into a new facility.
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbours
- Inquire about any clubs and groups that you have an interest in, so you can meet new people in the facility
- Share stories with staff and carers to create a strong bond with them
- Engage in conversations when staff are free to assist in forming these strong connections quickly.
A good aged care facility should ensure very resident feel like they are treated well by their staff. Making friendships at their new facility with both residents and carers can really make an aged care facility feel like home.
Trust and respect is important for everyone
Older people moving into aged care for health-related reasons, can feel a massive loss in independence. whether that means they require more personal care or assistance doing minor tasks.
It is important this care is provided by a carer or staff member you can trust and feel that they respect you.
In the new 2019 Aged Care Quality Standards, it is mandated that all people in aged care must be respected while receiving aged care services.
The same can be said for aged care staff members, who should also be respected while providing services and may be working with multiple residents throughout the day. Its important for residence to remember that aged care staff are there to help them through whatever personal issues or health-related problems they may be experiencing.
The aged care facility should be ensuring that their residence have regular communication with staff. This is so residence don’t feel isolated and will foster a good relationship with staff/care workers. This could be by popping in to see how the residents are doing or joining you for lunch or tea/coffee.
Many aged care facilities also keep their residents informed by releasing new updates through regular newsletters listing any events, changes and new developments.
What if you have a complaint or concern?
If a good relationship has been developed with the provider, there should be access to provide feedback about the care being received, whether good or bad.
Many older people, and families, worry about bringing up complaints about quality of care or other matters. Especially older residents, may be concerned that there will be consequences if they speak out. All aged care facilities should accept and address all complaints from residents and families. This being said, aged care residents should never feel worried about bringing up any concerns.