Communication – the difference it makes in caring for your loved ones

At HillView Care, we believe communication is everything when it comes to caring for your loved one. Great care starts with great communication. It’s not just about sharing information; it’s about really connecting with our residents and their families.

We want to give you a little peek into how we communicate here at HillView Care and why it’s such a big part of how we provide the best care possible. 

Building trust through honest conversations

At the centre of every good relationship is trust, and trust is the foundation of everything we do here at our Gold Coast residential aged care homes. We understand how important it is to feel confident in the care your loved one is receiving. That’s why we make communication a top priority.

From the start, we take the time to sit down with families to ensure we understand what matters most to them. We want to know about your loved one’s needs, preferences, and personal values – so we can deliver care that is unique to them. 

And we don’t stop there. We keep those lines of communication open. Whether it’s a quick check-in or a more detailed discussion, you’ll always be in the loop about your loved one’s care. If there’s ever a change or something new comes up, we’ll talk about it with you right away. We want you to feel like part of the HillView Care family, and that means ensuring you’re always informed and involved.

Listening with purpose

Communication is more than just talking, great communication also means listening – really listening. That’s something we value here at HillView Care. When we chat with our residents, we make sure we’re not just hearing their words, but also paying attention to their emotions, their body language, and the things they may not say out loud. 

If a resident is feeling a bit down or frustrated, we take the time to sit with them, listen to what they need, and show that we care. Sometimes, that’s just being there to hear them out, other times, it’s about providing the comfort they need to feel heard.

For those with memory loss or communication challenges, we do everything we can to ensure they’re still able to express themselves. It might take a little longer or involve some extra patience, but it’s worth it. Every resident deserves to feel understood, no matter how they communicate.

Keeping families informed

We get it, when your loved one is at HillView Care, you want to stay connected and know what’s happening. We believe that keeping you informed is essential for great care. That’s why our team works hard to make sure you’re always updated on your loved one’s health, wellbeing, and day-to-day activities.

If there are changes in your loved one’s care needs or something needs attention, we’ll make sure you’re the first to know. We believe that being transparent with families builds trust, and it’s something we do every single day.

Team communication

At HillView Care, our team is made up of a range of professionals, from care staff to nurses to chefs and leisure and lifestyle coordinators, and we all rely on clear, open communication to make sure everything runs smoothly.

We’re in constant contact with each other to share updates about residents, their health, and their preferences. This ensures that everyone, from the person helping with meals to the nurse administering medication, is on the same page and providing care that’s consistent and tailored to each individual.

This helps us ensure we don’t miss any details, from health needs to personal preferences, we work together to make sure we’re providing the best possible care for every resident.

Empowering residents

We don’t just want our residents to feel cared for; we want them to feel empowered. One of the ways we do that is by encouraging communication that allows them to express themselves and make choices about their care.

From choosing the activities they want to participate in or telling us what they’d like to eat, we make sure their voice is heard. And when we communicate with our residents, we do so in a way that respects their dignity and promotes independence. The goal is to give them as much autonomy as possible while still offering the support they need.

Navigating difficult conversations

Some conversations are tough, whether it’s discussing changes in a resident’s health, navigating end-of-life wishes, or addressing a sudden concern, we approach these moments with care and sensitivity.

At HillView Care, we’re here to support not just our residents but their families too. These conversations can be emotional and difficult, but we always make sure to communicate openly and compassionately. We’re with you every step of the way, providing guidance and support to help you make the best decisions for your loved one.

Why communication matters

At the end of the day, communication is what makes HillView Care stand out. It’s how we connect with residents, their families, and each other. It’s how we ensure that every resident feels seen, heard, and cared for.

If there’s one thing you can count on at HillView Care, it’s that we’ll always be here, communicating with you and your loved one every step of the way.