Introducing the Term “Essential Care Partner”

You may be hearing the use of the term Essential Care Partner more often at Kinsmen Lodge.

While the terminology may be new, the idea behind it is not.  Families and other significant people have always played a valuable role in the lives and care of our residents and are important partners in supporting a resident’s care, well-being, and quality of life.

What Is an Essential Care Partner?

An Essential Care Partner is someone identified by the resident, or by the resident’s substitute decision-maker when appropriate, to have an ongoing role in the resident’s care and daily life.

An Essential Care Partner may:

• Provide companionship and emotional support.
• Help with activities or routines that are important to the resident.
• Participate in care conferences and care planning.
• Share information about the resident’s history, preferences, and routines.
• Help the resident communicate their needs and wishes.
• Raise questions or concerns on the resident’s behalf.

The role will look different for every resident.  Some Essential Care Partners may be very involved in daily routines and care, while others may provide support in different ways.

What Does This Mean for Families?

To keep things simple, the person currently listed as the resident’s primary contact will now automatically be referred to as their Essential Care Partner.  There is no additional paperwork that needs to be completed.

We know every resident and family situation is different.  The resident, or their substitute decision-maker when appropriate, may choose a different Essential Care Partner, or change that person’s role at any time.  Being an Essential Care Partner does not automatically make someone the resident’s substitute decision-maker, legal representative, or financial representative.  These are separate roles.

The Resident Remains at the Centre

The resident’s wishes always come first.  Residents have the right to decide who is involved in their lives and care.  They can freely welcome or set boundaries for individuals, change their Essential Care Partner, or change what they would like that person’s role to be.

Information will only be shared with an Essential Care Partner in accordance with the resident’s wishes, consent, and privacy requirements.  Being identified as an Essential Care Partner does not automatically provide access to all of the resident’s personal or health information.

Working With the Care Team

Good communication between residents, Essential Care Partners, and staff helps us provide safe and personalized care.

Essential Care Partners are encouraged to:

• Share information that may help us better understand the resident.
• Inform us about changes or concerns they have noticed.
• Ask questions when something is unclear.
• Participate in care discussions when invited by the resident.
• Respect the resident’s choices, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with the care team.

If you are unsure about who to speak with, please ask any member of the care team.  A member of the nursing team is available 24 hours a day.  Families may also request a copy of our Who to Contact information sheet from the Reception desk.

Working Together

Essential Care Partners often help us understand what brings comfort, what causes worry, which routines are important, and what helps the resident feel at home.  We value the role families and Essential Care Partners have at Kinsmen Lodge.  By sharing information, asking questions, and working together, we can provide care that is safer, more personal, and more meaningful.

If you have any questions about the Essential Care Partner role or what it means for your family, please speak with a member of the resident’s care team.