Introduction:
Caregivers can face challenges and obstacles while trying to care for their loved one; collaboration with the healthcare team, linking to community resources, crossing cultural and language barriers, engaging and learning to effectively communicate with health team members can prove to be positively beneficial to the wellness and recovery of the patient and improve the Caregiver experience. Involved Care Partners can also help reduce the risk of preventable harm.
A designated Care Partner is an essential person who is selected by the patient and cares for the patient providing comfort, social and cultural interaction, psychological and physical support, as well as speaking on behalf of the patient when he/she cannot speak. A designated Care Partner is not a casual visitor but rather is an individual who is appointed by the patient and/or their Substitute Decision Maker then identified and recorded by the hospital as the official Care Partner. The Care Partner is present in the hospital to assist the patient with the daily evolving care. The Care Giver could be a parent, a spouse, a child (at least 16 years), or a significant other who can provide a meaningful relationship. Each patient’s condition and situation is unique, therefore an appointed guardian, a cultural or community member or a translator could fill the designated Care Partner role.
A designated Care Partner is an essential person who is selected by the patient and cares for the patient providing comfort, social and cultural interaction, psychological and physical support, as well as speaking on behalf of the patient when he/she cannot speak. A designated Care Partner is not a casual visitor but rather is an individual who is appointed by the patient and/or their Substitute Decision Maker then identified and recorded by the hospital as the official Care Partner. The Care Partner is present in the hospital to assist the patient with the daily evolving care. The Care Giver could be a parent, a spouse, a child (at least 16 years), or a significant other who can provide a meaningful relationship. Each patient’s condition and situation is unique, therefore an appointed guardian, a cultural or community member or a translator could fill the designated Care Partner role.
- A designated Care Partner is essential to the well-being of the patient but is not necessarily the Power of Attorney for Personal Care nor the Power of Attorney for Property.
- A designated Care Partner can be a relative, a friend or a significant other and not necessarily live with the patient.
- A designated care partner can be anyone 16 years and older.
- A designated care partner can provide support and care for short periods of time (e.g. days) or for extended periods of time.
The purpose of this survey is to help us better understand your experience as a healthcare provider interacting with designated care partners. We are surveying care providers as well as designated care partners so that we can work together to provide outstanding support, effective communication, new skills and education creating a positive engagement to improve the experience of Care Partners and Healthcare Providers.
(adapted from: Change Foundation (2020). Changing Care, Provider Survey. This text has been developed in conjunction with our Patient and Family Advisors.
(adapted from: Change Foundation (2020). Changing Care, Provider Survey. This text has been developed in conjunction with our Patient and Family Advisors.