Family caregiving can present enormous challenges for individuals caring for elderly relatives. RightConversations™ is Right at Home’s foremost guide for families offering realistic tips and ideas for effective communication about family caregiving. Being a family caregiver is honourable and one of the most meaningful periods in your life. Effective communication can greatly enhance this experience.  

1. Gather Accurate & Relevant Information

This is particularly important as your loved one’s condition may be in flux. We suggest making a note of what you see. Listen to your gut – it could be telling you something is not quite right with your loved one or their condition is changing. Document information. You can use our RightConversations Information Journal to help you keep all relevant information about your loved one in one place.  

2. Determine the Level of Concern Warranted

Observation is important in determining whether your loved one needs additional support. Use your observation skills to help validate your concerns. 

3. Review the Facts & Avoid Personal Biases

Once you’ve gathered information about the situation and determined that your loved one needs assistance, the next step is to sort through the facts and your observations. Remember that assumptions about your loved one’s well-being can make things worse. As you study the facts try to limit the influence of your own personal biases – what may matter to you may not be what is most important to your loved one.  

4. Involve Siblings

Make sure you involve the right people from the beginning, even if that means extending an invitation to a sibling with whom you have challenges.  

5. Plan the Conversation

Organising yourself for a productive conversation is vital. Consider writing out a list of questions and concerns before speaking to your loved one.  

6. Create a Positive Conversation

Listen with the intent to understand rather than respond. When you listen you have the opportunity to fully appreciate your loved one’s perspective. Be sure to express love and concern and articulate your feelings with sensitivity.  

7. Be Aware of Differences in Communication Styles

Refer to page four of our RightConversations™ Guide for a comprehensive table on understanding communication styles.  

8. Understand Why Your Loved One May Withhold Information

Understand that your loved one may not be forthcoming with the status of their physical or mental health. It is important to understand why they may be withholding health information. Perhaps they fear for their independence or don’t want to worry relatives.  

9. Do Not Make Your Loved One Feel Ambushed

Never approach your loved one suddenly. An ambush can often lead to misunderstandings. Where possible, include your loved one in planning the discussion and act inclusively.  

10. What to do if Your Loved One Says “no”

Just because you have planned and prepared for the conversation does not mean your loved one is equally prepared to talk. Try to maintain focus on what you want to achieve and remain open minded. 

You can access all our free RightConversation™ guides on our website. You can also contact your local office with any questions or qualifications your family might have.

Right at Home is an approved provider of Home Care Packages and can assist your elderly loved ones, Australia's seniors, with services that support them in activities of daily living. Right at Home also assist seniors with support that is under private pay arrangements for those seniors who do not have government funding under the Home Care Packages scheme. 

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees, Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: ACT & Queanbeyan; ACT Canberra; Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Central West New South Wales; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Gosford; Greater Logan; Hunter & Port Stephens; Ipswich Lockyer Valley; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Macarthur Penrith; Mackay; Melbourne Brighton: Melbourne Glen Waverley; Melbourne North; Moreton Bay Region; Newcastle; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; Northern Rivers; Padstow St George; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth South Eastern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; Southern NSW; Southwest Victoria; Sunshine Coast; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Five Dock; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Ryde; Sydney Sutherland Shire; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Townsville;