Supporting your relative

If someone in a care home has memory or communication difficulties, family and friends can be really helpful in ensuring their views and wishes are heard. They are also often the first to notice changes in the care home resident’s mood or health, can alert the staff or a medical professional and ensure appropriate care or treatment is put into place. Residents may feel uncomfortable talking to staff about a problem as they don’t want to make a fuss or be treated differently. It is important to encourage the resident to talk to staff if they can, but if they can’t, or don’t want to, you could raise the issue with the staff on their behalf. Remember even if your relative asks you to speak on their behalf you have no legal right to make decisions on their behalf unless they have granted you Power of Attorney. However, providing information and discussing options can be a great way to support them to make informed decisions for themselves.