Family caregivers can be key partners in patient care, ensuring that medical professionals have a complete picture of the patient’s condition and supporting better health outcomes. By providing detailed, ongoing insights, facilitating communication, and ensuring adherence to medical advice, they help medical professionals deliver more effective and personalized care. Caregivers can be a valuable resource for you, offering a deeper understanding of the patient’s needs and experiences.

“Healthcare providers and more importantly their staff need to understand the incredible responsibility they have when it comes to communicating with patients. Especially aging patients and those with various disabilities that may have various challenges such as hearing and understanding discussions about their health. It’s hard to believe that there is not an intense focus on training everyone in a medical office to be able to communicate effectively with various types of patients. But here we are…”

What to Keep in Mind About Caregivers

• Family caregivers spend more time with patients than anyone else. They can provide detailed information about symptoms, changes, and medication side effects that the patient may not share with you.
• Caregivers may be able to provide details on the patient’s medical history, which the patient omits.
• They help manage medications, ensure that their loved one follows the treatment plan, and coordinate follow-up care and appointments.
• Caregivers can keep you updated on any changes they notice in the patient’s condition and can facilitate communication with the patient—particularly if the patient has difficulty understanding, physical limitations, or there are language barriers.
• Family caregivers often share in the decision-making process and can help their loved one make informed decisions about their treatment options.
• They are also the chief advocate for and source of support to their loved one.

“Definitely directly address the patient, but if you don’t also talk to me, nothing will be remembered and follow-up will never happen.”

“We know WAY more than they give us credit for.”

Your Time with Patients and Caregivers Is Limited: Simple Ways to Help Them

Family caregivers also need support, and there are simple and accessible resources available that you can provide to patients and caregivers. These tools help them gain additional support and information, which ultimately leads to better health outcomes. Below, you can download and print resources that may be helpful for the caregivers and patients you work with: