Being able to work in partnership with people that are significant to the individuals that you care for is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes for them.
This can include the individual’s family and friends or their advocate as well as other professionals such as nurses and social workers that have a close relationship with them.
These people will probably have known the individual for a long time and can provide valuable insights into their likes/dislikes, needs and preferences. They will be even more useful if the individual themselves has difficulty communicating what they want and need.
It is important that you work closely with them, listen to what they say and take the information that they provide seriously – you do not always have to agree with them but you should respect their point of view because you will all be working towards the same goals – the wellbeing of the individual that you support.