How do I help my patient maintain regular contact with family and friends?

Helping Your Patient Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Maintaining regular contact with family and friends is crucial for a patient’s emotional and mental well-being, especially during challenging times like illness or recovery. Here are some simple yet effective ways to help your patient stay connected with their loved ones.

### Be Open About Their Situation

It’s important to keep family and friends informed about the patient’s condition. This helps them understand what’s happening and how they can best support the patient. However, it’s essential to respect the patient’s privacy and only share information they are comfortable with. Consider using platforms like CaringBridge to share updates and coordinate care[3].

### Encourage Communication

Encourage the patient to communicate openly with their loved ones. This can be through phone calls, video chats, or even visits when possible. It’s helpful to create a schedule for these interactions to ensure they become a regular part of the patient’s routine.

### Support Person-Centred Care

For patients with conditions like dementia, person-centred care is vital. This approach focuses on the individual’s feelings and needs, rather than their limitations. Encourage family and friends to engage in activities that the patient enjoys, which can help maintain a sense of normalcy and connection[2].

### Facilitate Social Activities

Help the patient participate in social activities or join community groups. For those with dementia, dementia cafés and other social events can provide opportunities to meet new people and engage in meaningful interactions[2].

### Educate Family and Friends

Educate family and friends on how to communicate effectively with the patient. For example, if the patient has dementia, suggest speaking slowly and using simple language. Encourage them to listen actively and avoid interrupting or completing the patient’s sentences[2].

### Advocate for the Patient

As a caregiver or advocate, it’s important to listen to the patient’s needs and concerns. Help them express these to their healthcare providers and ensure their wishes are respected. This can involve teaching the patient how to self-advocate and communicate effectively with their healthcare team[5].

By following these steps, you can help your patient maintain strong connections with their family and friends, which is essential for their overall well-being and recovery.