If you have a loved one in a nursing home or extended care facility, you can expect to be called upon to be part of a Care Conference.
A Care Conference is a meeting between the family and key stakeholders involved in the loved one’s care where an update on his or her condition is provided. In long term care situations, there may be a discussion about how the loved one is adjusting to the overall environment.
The Care Conference will include a representative from the nursing staff, social services, dietary and, if applicable, physical therapy. A representative from the business office may also be there if there are financial issues. Typically, a Care Conference takes place every three months. Also, the patient is often included in this meeting unless his or her condition prevents it (e.g. mild to severe dementia, or being bed ridden).
No matter how organized you may be, the first time you get notification of this, it will come as a bit of a surprise. The reason is because although it will have been mentioned to you during the intake process for your loved one, there was a plethora of other matters to address and that one item can easily slip off the radar screen.
Here are some useful suggestions to prepare for the conference:
- Ask for clarification about the purpose of the conference. So many times we will get notification for things like this and, instead of asking questions, will just go into the situation blindly. Doing so puts you at a disadvantage and you are likely to receive information you were not prepared for. Such as learning that your loved one has been refusing physical therapy. By asking about some of the particulars to be covered in the conference, you will be better prepared to ask further questions during the conference.
- Keep good documentation that identifies everyone you talk to leading up to the conference. Then, when the conference takes place, make sure you note who is there and that person’s role. Mostly likely these individuals interact regularly with your loved one. And, if possible, see if you can establish a friendly connection with that person. Doing so will ensure they make the name-with-face connection you are the go-to person for your loved one.
Dr. McTyre is a homecare worker and an emergency medical technician. Additionally, he is a longtime college educator, writer, editor, and researcher on social science issues. Contact him at [email protected]
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