Provider organizations are acutely aware of the importance in developing and maintaining positive relationships with parents and extended family members of individuals they support. Likewise, family members desire to have good working relationships with providers knowing that they are placing their child or adult child in the hands of someone else to protect and nurture their family member. So why is it that these relationships so often end in turmoil, disagreement and blaming when we know that positive relationships are critical to the promotion of valued lives for those we support?
Dr. Tom Pomeranz in this how to presentation provides attendees with new sensitivities and insights as to what factors undermine these essential relationships on both sides. Tom details the core beliefs that are the foundation in successfully working with families. The session discusses potential family and provider barriers that may impair these relationships and strategies to overcome the barriers.
Tom explains that improving family relationships can only come about by modifying our behavior. The resolution of differences is achieved by: actively listening, finding points of agreement, negotiating toward resolution, creating positive internal messages and utilizing positive body language. The presentation culminates with a discussion of essential family- work skills that promote valued family provider relationships.
