What is a Care Partner?

Posted on November 15, 2024

A care partner is someone a patient chooses to help him or her receive the expected level of care during and after a hospital stay. Someone trusted - spouse, other family member, long-time friend or neighbor who is able to help support the patient (most often when the s/he is too tired or sick to do so) and their choices with the ability to expresses these to the medical team. Having a care partner does not mean the patient no longer chooses to participate in their care.

A care partner (CP) is someone a patient chooses to help him or her receive the expected level of care during and after a hospital stay. Someone trusted - spouse, other family member, long-time friend or neighbor who is able to help support the patient (most often when the s/he is too tired or sick to do so) and their choices with the ability to expresses these to the medical team.

Having a care partner (CP) does not mean the patient no longer chooses to participate in their care.

Hospital staff should know a care partner (CP) will be present and involved. Provide the CP’s name and contact information. Also make sure the CP’s information is included on the patient’s whiteboard (mounted on a wall at each patient’s bedside) Once those caring for the patient have been informed, they will make sure the CP is:

· Included in conversations regarding care

· Informed of any changes in the treatment plan.

The care partner’s mission is to help the healthcare team better understand the patient’s needs, preferences and goals. S/he should be prepared to get involved by participating in shift reports or daily rounds, informing the team of any issues that should be taken into consideration. During rounds, the care partner should feel free to:

· take notes

· ask questions

· let the team know of anything that concerns or confuses yourself or the patient.

In the event the care partner is unable to participate in the rounds, they should let staff know how to be reached for an opportunity to be informed about the care plan and an opportunity to aske questions. The team should be able to connect with the care partner via phone or text, on the patient’s whiteboard, or arrange a time to speak to with the team.

The care partner may also participate in the patient’s medical care during the hospital stay and after discharge. Working with the medical team, s/he can help the patient by looking for specific signs and symptoms of the disease or diagnosis – what to look for or who to talk to should signs be present.

As discharge nears with care transitioning from the hospital to home, the hospital team may request the care partner’s assistance with certain aspects of care or coordinating tasks.

Hospital staff will teach both the care partner and the patient as support and assistance is needed, making sure both are fully comfortable with all aspects care before leaving the hospital.

Discharge tends to be hectic time filled with paperwork, instructions, prescriptions, and equipment if needed. Just because staff is rushing, doesn’t mean the care partner can’t “slow the train down.” If in doubt, things are moving too fast or any other concerns, be sure to ask questions – keep asking them until there is no longer any doubt and always keep taking notes.

Patient Advocates of Southwest FL – Helping to solve the problems Patients and their Families Experience While Navigating the Healthcare System.