Details
Course Description
We will discuss how to respond to challenging situations, the five stages of grief and loss, and how this relates to managing challenging family situations, as well as ways to assist an upset family member. Remember to speak to your supervisor immediately if you are approached by an upset family member.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
- 1. Understand where success begins in achieving your goals through challenging situations.
- 2. Describe what is grief and loss and how it relates to managing challenging family situations.
- 3. List tips for positive family interaction.
Course Outcomes
Hour One
- I. Introduction
- a. Introduction to Managing Challenging Family Situations
- I. We will discuss ways to prevent challenging situations in assisted living and residential care Communities when dealing with resident’s families.
- b. This course also includes a content module and video module
- II. Where Success Begins
- a. It starts before the resident moves in
- b. Get to know what the resident and family needs
- I. Level of care required by resident
- ii. Care expectations
- iii. Unmet expectations can turn into major challenges
- c. Allow the resident and family to participate in the Community
- d. Be flexible
- i. Provide quality care the way the resident needs and desires
- III. Grief and Loss
- a. Stages of Grieving (Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, on Death and Dying)
- I. Denial
- ii. Anger
- 1. Scenario: Unmet Expectations (video)
- iii. Bargaining
- iv. Depression
- v. Acceptance
- b. Sense of Control
- I. Introduce to Staff
- 1. Continue until the resident and family members are aware of each staff in the Care Community
- ii. Follow Routines as Much as Possible
- 1. Adjust your schedule to the needs and preferences of the resident opposed to having him/her adjust to ours.
- 2. Learn what is normal routine for him/her
- a. Meal preferences
- b. Bathing preferences
- c. Activities he/she enjoys
- d. Sleep/wake patterns
- iii. Provide Spiritual Support
- 1. Encourage regular visits
- iv. Provide Training Opportunities
- 1. Allow families to join in classes offered in Community as long as confidential information is not provided.
- 2. Provide newsletters on what is going on in Community
- v. Encourage Visits
- 1. Allow the care Community to become a place like home (comfortable and able to make his/her own)
- 2. Encourage families to visit during meal times or activities
- vi. Ask for Help
- 1. Encourage family members to get involved and volunteer.
- 2. Ask for ideas or suggestions how to make positive improvements.
- IV. Tips For Positive Family Interactions and Support
- a. Use Their Name
- b. Listen
- I. Scenario: Upset about medications (video)
- ii. Active listening
- c. Be Honest
- I. Scenario: Don’t Call 911 (video)
- d. Use Empathy
- e. Set Limits
- f. Family Support Programs
- I. Family Council
- ii. Alzheimer’s support groups
- V. Responding to Upset Family Members (Video)
- a. Arrange for Privacy/Confidentiality
- b. Refer to Supervisor/Administrator
- c. Open Door Policy
- d. Document
- e. Violence/Safety
- VI. Conclusion
- a. Outro
- b. Wish You Much Success
Instructor: Josh Allen, RN
Josh Allen is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in senior living. As the Director of InTouch at Home, Josh oversees all aspects of business development, care, services, and operations for the organization. As a part of the SRG Senior Living family of companies, InTouch at Home delivers personalized care and services to clients living in senior living communities as well as private residences across three states.
Josh also serves on the board of the American Assisted Living Nurses Association, and represents AALNA on the boards of the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living and Coalition of Geriatric Nursing Organizations. Josh has previously served as President and CEO of Care and Compliance Group, a leading training solutions provider.