Project Details

Partners in Caregiving: Cooperative Communication Between Families and Nursing Homes
Two major mechanisms were employed by Partners in Caregiving (PIC) to bring about changes in family and staff perceptions and behaviors. Most important is the development of improved communication skills on the part of both groups. A substantial body of research suggests that enhancing communication skills may be a promising method for fostering partnerships and reducing conflict and hostility between families and nursing home staff. The second component of the intervention focused on discussing (and recommending changes in) facility policies and procedures. To accomplish changes at the facility level, the PIC intervention included joint meetings of family and staff participants with facility administrators. These sessions were expected to increase the sense of involvement and control for participants and create solidarity between staff and families. Further, they provided an opportunity for members of both groups to work toward consensus on changes in facility practices or policies.

Contact:
Rhoda Meador, Associate Director, CITRA
Email: rhm2@cornell.edu
Phone: 607 254 5360
Products:
Partners in Caregiving Manual for Facility Training Teams (1.0 MB)
Partners in Caregiving Manual for Facility Training Teams (352.6 KB)
Partners in Caregiving Program Brief (96.2 KB)
Bridging the Gap Between Families and Staff (436.8 KB)
Partners in Careging in a Speical Care Environment - Manual (525.1 KB)