Conflict scenarios
The resident has implemented a DNR and the family does not agree
What is an example of family vs. resident conflict?
You should try to diffuse the situation and teach the family member about the residents privacy.
What should you do if a family member is demanding you share a residents information with them?
Ways staff can resolve disputes is by keeping a calm environment and providing mediation between family and residents.
What role can social workers, nurses, or mediators play in helping families resolve disputes?
Families can make regular visits and do activities together. They can also tell family stories all creating a bond using the time the resident has left.
How can families create traditions that strengthen their bonds, even with limited time?
If yelling occurs stay calm and respond professionally. Try to diffuse the conflict without causing worse reactions from the family.
What is the best thing you can do if the family begins to yell or become very angry around others?
You can see who the POA is and look at the residents family information in their chart.
Where can you find information about a resident's family, who you can call/ give information to?
Staff involvement can encourage families to come to an agreement in a calm matter. Unfortunately, in some cases it can also cause further problems between the family and residents.
How can staff reactions/involvement affect the family’s ability to come to an agreement/come to terms with the circumstances?
They may be moody, sad, or even scarred. They may also have uncharacteristic behaviors such as violence or crying.
What is an example of how a resident might behave if they are experiencing family conflict?
Nurse- "I'm sorry but I am not able to discuss that topic with you. I would advise asking your family member."
What can you say to a family member who is asking about a resident but you cannot give them any information?
When communicating it is important to be respectful while still advocating for your resident. Set boundaries being calm but firm if resistance occurs.
What are the most effective strategies for communicating priorities, setting boundaries, and negotiating expectations between medical professionals and their families?
Caregiver burnout can cause tension when the worker is tired and their mood may affect others.
How does caregiver burnout contribute to family tension?
CNA-> Nurse-> Charge Nurse-> DON
What is the chain of command if you are going to report something related to family conflict.
The resident is entitled to their own decisions whether you agree with them or not. Any advanced directives in place must be respected.
What is something you may have to teach the family?
To help with family conflicts you can try to adjust perspectives, help with boundary setting, and encourage calm discussion.
What are some therapeutic communication techniques you could use to deal with family conflicts?
What the residents wishes are, if the resident would like staff intervention if conflict were to occur, and their plans in terms of a POA or advanced directive.
What questions can be asked to prevent family conflict?
The farm has been in the family for six generations. When admitted the resident expected to have their children take it over. Instead their kids want to sell it. This leads to tension within the family.
What is an example of conflict due to financial assets?
You can offer emotional support and help by offering calming techniques.
What is something you can do to support the resident who may be struggling with conflicts within their family?
To prevent misunderstandings families can implement talking periods for each member, try to listen to the whole point of view before interrupting, and have the conversation in a calming environment.
What strategies can families use to communicate more effectively and prevent misunderstandings?
Has anyone experienced family conflict before at a long-term care facility before while working?
Go ahead and share personal experiences.
Medical professionals may be pressured to share information that falls under HIPPA. They may also feel pressured to do things without proper orders. Always try to resist the pressure and do what's ethically correct.
What ethical dilemmas are there when a medical professional feels pressured to treat a family member, especially for non-emergency issues?