b'FAMILY SUPPORTManaging afamilys emotional journey Building a foundation of trustwith families of long-term care residents 1By Deborah BaktiF ive years ago, Marys husbandstep. As we begin to emerge from theMEET YOUR FAMILIESwas diagnosed with early onsetdevastation COVID created in seniorsWHERE THEY AREAlzheimers. She is caring for himcare, the emotional intensity familiesFamilies dont know what they dont at home, and knows they need thefeel has grown exponentially. Howknow. What they think they know support of long-term care. But Marythey are coping with their decisionis based on media, stories and is scared, particularly with everythingand their ability to transition into thisexperiences shared by friendsshe has read over the last year aboutnew role directly impacts how theyand family. COVID-19 in seniors care homes.show up and interact with the staff in your home.Find out what they do know, what Knowing I was once a residents wife,they are thinking, feeling, worried Mary looks at me, considers her nextI wrote Now What? Managing theabout and looking forward to. Inthought, then blurts out, Just tell meEmotional Journey of Long Term CareNow What? I share 20 misconceptions that when I move my husband intofor Families as a playbook for familiesthat families can have. If these arelong-term care, life will get easier in order to help them better navigatenot identified and clarified, youfor me! this highly emotional life transitionare setting yourself up for unmetthat they are experiencing. I alsoexpectations, which usually resultsMary is grappling with the grief, thewrote Now What? for care teams whoin disappointment, frustrationguilt, the fear and the unknown. Whatwant families to feel better prepared,and complaints. is life going to look like for her and herwith information and insight, so a husband? Her identity will change. Herpartnership built on trust and respectProvide your families with some role and responsibilities will shift. Shecan happen. insight into the operational reality of doesnt know what she doesnt know. seniors care. Then you can have an Here are three ways you can startexpectations conversation looking at Most families are battling the conflictbuilding that foundation of trust andwhat they can expect from you and of emotions as they face the realityrespect to develop a healthy positivewhat you can expect from them. The that long-term care is the needed,relationship with your families, rightfamily is now a member, a citizen of and not necessarily wanted, nextfrom the start.your community, and with that role 40 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2021'