As a critical care physician, our founder Dr. Daren Heyland has witnessed people not get the care they need due to communication challenges and barriers between patients, families, and the medical team. These experiences led to the creation of the Guide to Empowering, which gives you actionable communication strategies to improve the quality of care received as you or a loved one navigate the medical system.
The Guide to Empowering comes in two versions: for the Patient and for the Caregiver.
The Patient version is for people experiencing challenges resulting from serious, life-limiting or advanced chronic illness, or the decline associated with aging. Maybe you are frustrated that you can’t quite get the help you need or you feel overwhelmed in managing your illness journey.
The Guide to Empowering – Patient Version will help identify what needs to be done to better manage your illness journey and how most effectively to do it.
In this Patient version, you will reflect upon the health care that you have received during the past month from doctors, nurses and other health professionals. Facets of care covered include:
The Caregiver version is for people who are caring for a loved one who is experiencing challenges resulting from illness, disability or aging.
Did you know 1 in 4 Canadians are Caregivers? We know it’s tough, work – but important work – to advocate for your loved ones as they navigate the healthcare system. The Guide to Empowering – Caregiver Version will help identify what needs to be done and how most effectively to do it as you assist your loved one in their illness journey.
In this Caregiver version, you will reflect upon the health care that your relative or yourself have received during the past month from doctors, nurses and other health professionals. The Guide will have you reflect upon the following:
At the end of the Guide, you will have prepared a CANHELP Report that highlights several suggestions and resources for you to consider when trying to address or improve the specific aspects of your care.
We’ve created this free printable resource to help you be more prepared for the task at hand, feel more yourself, and reduce your stress. We have also included 15+ worksheets and resource lists to give you the essential tools to support you in your role as caregiver.
