What role do caregivers and family members play in alternative communication?
Caregivers and family members are crucial in supporting effective communication. They can:
- Advocate: Act as intermediaries to convey the patient’s needs and preferences to healthcare providers. - Provide emotional support: Help manage anxiety and emotional distress, which can hinder effective communication. - Use personalized methods: Implement communication strategies tailored to the patient's comfort and familiarity, such as specific gestures or preferred apps.