HUMAN CONNECTION
A Genuine Smile
Researchers at Harvard University studied a group of elderly patients and their responses to the facial expressions of health-care providers. When the caregivers’ facial expressions “were perceived as more warm, caring, concerned, and empathetic,” said the researchers, the patients felt more satisfied and their physical and mental well-being improved. The opposite was the case when the caregivers’ nonverbal communications distanced them from patients.
PRECISION + CARE
Older People Deserve Respect
A six-month study showed that baby talk is frequently used in nursing homes. Yet talking to older people in such a way not only robs them of their dignity but is also bad for their well-being, reports the German health newsletter Apotheken Umschau. Such lack of respect reportedly has a negative effect on health. Says Christine Sowinski of the German Association of Elderly Care: “The less older people are respected, the earlier they decay physically and mentally.” She recommends that derogatory and childish terms be eliminated from nursing routines, “since the underlying attitude will change with the language.” recognize the need to preserve patients’ dignity and treat them with respect during all phases of care.
INNOVATION TO IMPROVE CARE
The Family Room
The Family Room is a secure online portal that provideds family members with information on upcoming schedules, the caregiver team, medications, invocies, and even details down to the tasks that were completed to care for your loved one. When family members live far apart, the Family Room gives your convenience and peace of mind of keeping families informed and confident in the care they receive.