CAREGIVING
BEING
a patient in the hospital
can sometimes be scary. Having a
loved one present can make a difer-
ence. And for many, staying at the
side of a hospitalized family mem-
ber or friend is something that just
feels right.
Te staf at Halifax Regional
Hospital (HRH) recognizes this
and has intro-
duced a program
designed to en-
hance this natu-
ral relationship.
Te Care Partner program is a
partnership between the patient,
family member or friend, and the
healthcare team that allows the care
partner to become an active partici-
pant in the care of the patient. Te
program is completely voluntary
and does not require a doctor’s
order. It is introduced to patients
and their loved ones at the time of
admission. Should they choose to
participate, a consultation is initi-
ated with a member of the interdis-
ciplinary care partner team, who
will set the wheels in motion.
Here to help
Care partners can become as in-
volved in the care of their loved one
as they desire. Tey may want to
be present during physician visits.
Tey may want to discuss medica-
tions with a pharmacist or work
with the dietitian. Perhaps they are
concerned about how they will help
their loved one bathe or get dressed
afer he or she returns home. If so,
members of the team will work with
the patient and the care partner
to make sure proper bathing and
dressing techniques are learned.
Some care partners may choose
to simply be there to hold their
Partners in caring
loved one’s hand or help them
choose their meals or make tele-
phone calls. Maybe they just want
to fuf a pillow or comb their loved
one’s hair. Care partners complete
a questionnaire that lets the team
know just how extensively they
want to be involved—their level of
involvement is entirely up to them.
“We want
Care Partners
to participate to
the extent that
they feel com-
fortable,” says Millie Lavaway, co-
facilitator of the Care Partner team.
“We know that some will want to be
involved with all aspects of care and
others will not. Tat is perfectly fne.
Te program is designed to meet the
needs of both patients and their care
partners.”
Meet the team
Members of the care partner
team include representatives from
the nursing department, pharmacy,
nutrition services, physical therapy,
medical staf, respiratory therapy,
patient resource management and
guest relations. All of them are
ready to assist patients and their
care partners however they are
needed.
Te Care Partner program is
another example of HRH’s commit-
ment to the Planetree philosophy of
person-centered care.
The Care Partner program is
designed to meet the needs of
patients and their loved ones.
Members of the Care Partner team:
(front row, left to right) Mary Owen, RN,
manager, risk and compliance; Millie Lavaway, RN, manager, infection control
and employee health; and Deshonta Roberts, RN, East 4; (second row, left to
right) Janet Conner, guest relations; Susan Elliott, CNA, East 3; Lisa Caudle, food
and nutrition services; Tifany Jackson, patient resource management; and
Michelle Poole, physical therapy; (back row, left to right) DeborahWright, CNA,
East 4; Josh Milam, pharmacy; Nicole Marshall, RN, subacute unit; and Chad
Henry, MD, physician champion. Not pictured: April Francis, radiology.
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