How to create a good relationship with your client’s family

Many times, your client will have one family member, like their daughter or son, who manages their life.

This person:

1. Works to hire new caregivers for their family member
2. Looks after their family member when (you) the caregiver are not around

We know that having an extra person or people to communicate with can make caregiving extra hard.

That’s why we think it’s important to talk about creating good relationships with a client’s family.

Below, we have listed a few tips on how to create an excellent caregiver-family relationship.

By using these tips, you can communicate your needs with the family and best care for your client.

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Tip #1: Ask your client about their family

If you ask your client about their family, you can get a sense of what the family is like.

They might tell you that their family member:

• Likes caregivers who are very on time

• Likes caregivers who respond quickly to texts

• Anything else about family members that can make it easier for you to work with them

With this information, it will also be easier for you to talk to the family and get to know them. This is because you will have some background on them already.

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Tip #2: Talk to the family when they're around

We recommend that if your client’s family is ever around, talk to them and 

1. Tell them that you're excited to be working with their family member
2. Ask the family if they have any expectations for their caregivers

Saying these things will create a strong, open relationship with you and your client’s family.

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By asking/saying these things, maybe your client’s family will tell you that:

• They would like the caregiver to text them when they leave each day
• They would like the caregiver to keep their family member from watching too much TV

If you ask about the family’s expectations, the family will be thankful for your effort to provide their family member with great care.

Tip #3: Ask the family if you can exchange cell phone numbers with them

If you meet your client’s family, we recommend asking the family of your client for their phone numbers and that you give them yours.

If your client’s family isn't around, ask your client if there is anyone in their family who they communicate with the most so that you can have their phone number.

By getting your client’s family’s phone numbers…

• You can all contact each other when needed
• You can easily contact them in the case of an emergency.

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Tip #4: Leave the house cleaner than you found it each day

A good rule of thumb as a caregiver is to leave the house cleaner than you found it each day.

For example, whenever you make your client food: 

• Be sure to clean the dishes you used and put them back where you found them, but also

• Be sure to clean some extra dishes if there were any dirty ones in the sink 

If the family member of your client notices how clean you're, they will appreciate you. Being clean will also cause them to respect you more.

Tip #5: Send the family updates of fun things you do with your client

If you have the family’s phone number, it would be fun if every once and a while you sent them a photo of your client.

For example, if you and your client:

• Go for a walk
• Watch your client’s favorite movie
• Play a board game 

The family will be happy if you send a photo and a short caption that says something like “(insert client name) watching their favorite movie!”.

You don’t have to send these updates all of the time, but sending them every once in a while will keep the family members informed. The family members will also be happy to hear that their family member is doing well.

Summary:

All in all, establishing a good relationship with your client’s family is very important. If you

• Ask your client about their family
• Talk to the family when they're around
• Ask the family if you can exchange cell phone numbers with them
• Leave the house cleaner than you found it each day
• Send the family updates of fun things you do with your client

You will find yourself having a strong relationship with your client’s family. This makes your job easier and leaves the client’s family much happier.

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