Communication Tips for Caregivers

作为一名护理人员，你需要与很多人沟通. You need to connect with family, friends, co-workers, employers, health care professionals, 保险公司——还有一个可能不再是以前那个人的爱人.

建设性和有效的沟通是你成功的关键. When your communication is clear, assertive and constructive, 你更有可能被倾听，得到你想要的回应.

要做到这一点，你需要保持条理，有耐心，控制好矛盾的情绪. 你的压力水平和额外的责任会让你更难保持专注.

General communication tips

Some basic tips for good communication are:

• Be assertive, honest and patient. You have a long road ahead. 你需要爱人、家人和朋友的支持. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings. And don’t hesitate to turn to our Support Network.
• Use “I” messages rather than “you” messages. 说“我很生气”而不是“你让我生气了”,” you can express your feelings without blaming others, or causing them to become defensive.
• Respect the feelings and rights of others. 不要说有意伤害别人感情的话. 认识到对方也有权利表达他们的感受.
• Be clear and specific. Express your needs or feelings clearly. 当双方都直言不讳时，达成相互理解的机会就更大.
• If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. 如果你没有让别人理解你的观点，或者你没有得到回应，请稍后再试一次. Sometimes, it’s just not the right time.

When speaking with family members

Some specific tips for communicating with family are:

• Be a good listener. 记住，倾听是沟通中最重要的方面.
• Talk openly about your fears, worries and needs. This will invite frank and meaningful dialogue. 其他家庭成员可能会因此感到很舒服.
• Broach difficult subjects. Discuss topics such as finances, insurance, wills and advance directives. (预先指示明确亲人在医疗紧急情况下希望做什么.)这些可能是困难和微妙的话题，但为未来做准备可以帮助缓解压力. 很有可能，你的爱人也在担心这些问题.
• Recognize what everyone is feeling. 看护通常出现在医疗危机之后，特别是在心脏病和中风之后. The entire family may be left reeling. Try to be patient. 一个从来没有很好地适应危机的家庭成员可能也不会很好地处理这种情况. Give everyone time to adjust in their own way.

When communicating with health care professionals

与医生和护士交流对你来说可能很新鲜. Here are some tips:

• Be sure the doctor understands your role. 如果你所爱的人不能(或不愿意)接受指导, 确保医生告诉你所有重要的信息.
• Explain the practical side of your situation. 这可以帮助专业人士调整，并提出切实可行的建议作为回报. For example, you might say to the doctor, “如果我们能早点见面，对我的工作更有利.” The doctor might reply, “Not a problem. 每次见面，我都会让我的助理安排我们第一个有空的约会.”
• Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. Use the Internet as a tool, but stick with reliable sources of information. 如果你不了解你所爱的人的情况，向你的医疗保健专业人员提出具体的问题. 尤其重要的是要知道对你所爱的人来说什么是紧急情况.
• Keep records of your loved one’s habits. Take note of your loved one’s sleeping, eating and medication habits, as well as any emotional episodes. 您可以提供有关症状和习惯的更详细信息, 医生就越容易为你所爱的人提供最好的治疗.
• Take time to make decisions about care. 如果情况没有危及生命，花点沙巴足球体育平台做决定. 如果你要求沙巴足球体育平台与你所爱的人和其他家庭成员讨论这件事，你所爱的人的医疗保健专业人员会理解的.
• Appoint one family member as the main contact. 如果你的家人指定了医疗团队的主要联络点，这对每个人都有帮助. 这将避免混乱，节省医生和护士的沙巴足球体育平台. 指定的人可以与其他家庭成员沟通所有信息和必要的决定.
• Hold conversations in appropriate places. You deserve the doctor’s full attention. For important conversations, seek out a private conference room or office, not a waiting room or corridor.
• Ask about other resources. The health care staff can be invaluable. 他们可以为你指出支持团体，甚至建议可以帮助支付药物费用的资源. They can also share in-home care options with you.
• Write it down. 在你和医疗团队谈话之前，把你脑子里想的一切都写下来. 这可以帮助你避免忘记一些重要的事情.
• Feel free to change. Sometimes, 结果证明，无论是职业上还是情感上，医疗保健专业人员都不是完美的人选. 如果是这种情况，要求在实践中看到其他人或寻找另一个护理场所.
• Be appreciative. 不要忘记感谢医疗团队所做的一切. A little kindness and recognition goes a long way.