- Ask family members to provide information about a person’s life and personality in writing or on audiotape, or by attending a care planning meeting.
- Invite family and friends to make a photo storybook or display board of a person’s life.
- Share information about a person’s daily experiences and special activities. Develop a partnership with the family.
- Explicitly contact family members to encourage participation, questions and comments.
- Discuss how family members might help in care routines or activities and provide opportunities for them to do so.
- Encourage involvement in activities that keep family connectedness.
- Invite family and friends to play a part in special events, for example birthdays, Sunday lunch and religious celebrations.
- Be attuned to cultural events and occasions friends and family members can share, for example Easter preparations for Greek people and New Year celebrations for Chinese people.
- Accept that staff, family and friends each have a distinct role to play and distinct kinds of knowledge to offer.
- Be honest, approachable and open with family members.
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