.png)
Health care practitioners listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices. Patient and family knowledge, values, beliefs and cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the planning and delivery of care. This may include making special accommodations for religious restrictions regarding meal preparation and other similar considerations when applied to home care or other long-term care. Operating this way helps to create a relationship in which all parties are mutually respectful and respected.
Patient- and family-centered care is an innovative approach to the planning, delivery and evaluation of health care. This facilitates mutually beneficial partnerships among health care providers, patients and families. Patient- and family-centered care applies to people of all ages, and it may be practiced in any health care setting.
Health care practitioners communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful. Patients and families receive timely, complete and accurate information in order to effectively participate in care and decision-making. When home care services are used to assist with care, caregivers can provide additional insights that can help clients to best manage conditions and enjoy the highest quality of life.
Clients and families are encouraged and supported in participating in care and decision making at the level they choose. When At Your Side caregivers assist with client care, caregivers work closely with clients and family members to determine scheduling and care needs. Family members can take as little or as much control over caregiving as desired, with At Your Side caregivers filling in the gaps or taking charge as needed. Meeting client needs and wishes is a priority. Read more about respite care for family caregivers.
Patients and families are also included on an institution-wide basis. Health care leaders collaborate with patients and families in policy and program development, implementation and evaluation. Patients’ and families’ suggestions and insights are also considered when making changes to health care facility design and in professional education, along with the delivery of care. At Your Side uses patient and family suggestions, as well as patients’ needs evaluations, to determine how best to provide care for each individual. This information is also ultimately used to improve care for all patients in the area. Patients may be given more companionship time, have more attention focused on condition management, or other changes may be made to care routines as determined through collaboration with patients and families.
