More About Creating Powerful Partnerships

    What is an authentic partnership? While we form many partnerships throughout life, some are just temporary, some fall apart over time, but the most valuable ones, the essential partnerships are constructed for the long-term, based on mutual respect and personal regard. How important are authentic partnerships in your life?
     I recently attended a presentation, "Bravo Zulu". Dr. Jennifer Carson shared vast information about the relationships we form and how we value each. While she focused on the military, examining the various branches and what partnerships might mean to each, I found that every bit of her information was vital for any and all relationships. The more we share and care, the stronger the bonds created.
    Certain elements make for a empowerment, equality, and collective capacity. These include having a genuine regard for oneself as well as other members of the partnership, focusing on shared goals and processes, and constructing inter-connectedness that builds energy and trust. A shared vision, a belief in one another, decision-making that reflects the wants and needs of all, and using perspectives of self and others to determine the best steps forward.
    Some of the requirements to expand relationships include regular reflection and dialogue. Think about a movie you have watched where the characters are mired in confusion and mistrust. As viewers, we have often seen the multiple sides of the situation, however, the actors appear oblivious to external events. Imagine if they just talked? They might then connect and commit to a direction that could solve problems. With conversation comes the idea of a safe place: "I shared and it was accepted; now I can speak once again." Or the opposite: "That was horrendous - time to cut and run!"
    When we value perspectives, ideas, and ideals, relationships grow. Diversity is respected just as commonality is enjoyed and revered. Once the communication gates are open, partners can work to keep them open, or to close them slightly or temporarily when going forward is too painfully, too close to the heart. What a difference one-on-one time makes in designing strength and extending connections.
    As mentioned, relationships come in many forms: parent or guardian 1 to parent or guardian 2; parents to children; sibling to sibling; extended family to other family members. Those within this realm are often the toughest, referencing the old adage, "You can choose your friends, but your family has already been chosen." Like it or not, family is yours forever. Even moving, cutting people off, slicing the ties while adding distance, do not make individuals less related. So why not just talk? Why not try to communicate? Why not consider a relationship? Why not some authenticity?

Authenitc Partnerships

     Think about a super partnership in your life. This may be with a family member, a coworker, or a dear friend. Now jot down all of the fine qualities that that individual possesses and how s/he adds to the value of your life. Kindness, organization, a good listener, a helper, someone who follows through... Those are just a few of the qualities that pop into my mind. Recently I have discovered, too, that I need those who are ready and willing to provide me with a hug of support when I am feeling down. What a difference this can make in making my spirits soar.
     In relationship-centered care and relationship-centered situations, I would also like to think that my caregiver/my care partner/my instructor also exemplifies these characteristics. I realize that for many hugging is taboo, however, for me human touch is essential. I do know of friends who become nervous and discontent with touch and I have learned to carefully avoid entering space where I will not be welcome. This last awareness is vital for relationship-centered instances because it reflects that I truly understand the wants and needs of myself as well as those of another individual.
     Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada worked in partnership with persons living with dementia to understand what it takes to develop an authentic partnership versus just being there and completing a job. Three guiding concepts include promoting empowerment and equality, sharing decision making responsibilities, and incorporating diverse perspectives. How valuable for one living with dementia to be appreciated as a thinking, feeling individual with particular outlooks, insights, perspectives, and desires.

The 6 Senses of Relationship Centered Care - Employee Care Partner

For employees, the following are essential:
Security: feeling free from physical threat or rebuke by working in a safe, secure environment and supportive culture.
Continuity: having positive experiences when working with older people and exposure to good role models and environments of care. Expectations and standards of care must be clearly communicated.
Belonging: sensing team membership and being recognized for personal contribution.
Purpose: having a sense of direction with clear goals to aspire to,
Achievement: knowing the care partner is able to provide good care and to feel satisfied with his/her efforts by implementing skills and abilities to the fullest.
Significance: feeling the care provided is valued and important.

The 6 Senses of Relationship Centered Care - Family Care Partner/Caregiver

The 6 senses for the family care partner/caregiver include:
Security: feeling confident in the ability to provide good care without excess detriment to self. Sound support networks are so valuable.
Continuity: sharing pursuits with the individual receiving care helps ensure that personal standards of care are maintained across the care environment.
Belonging: maintaining a valued relationship to whom the recipient of care can trust and feel that s/he is not alone is essential.
Purpose: keeping dignity, integrity, and well-being of the care recipient at the forefront entails timely intervention while respecting personhood.
Achievement: loved ones providing care need to know that they are giving the best care possible and that they are able to meet challenges as they develop new skills and abilities.
Significance: care partners/caregivers need to feel that their efforts are valued and appreciated by their loved ones, when possible, but also by family and friends.

Reviewing the 6 Senses of Relationship-Centered Care - Direct Recipient

The 6 Senses for the Recipient
Security: attention must be made to meet physical and psychological needs. The individual must feel safe from harm, threat, pain, or discomfort. I'd add that this discomfort might well be decisions being made over the head of the individual - keeping him or her out of the loop of conversation.
Continuity: the individual must be recognized as a person with value and a distinct past, present and future. Consistency in care delivered with competence and sensitivity is essential.
Belonging: the individual needs chances to form meaningful relationships and to feel a part of a community - not a secluded and lonely bystander.
Purpose: being engaged in meaningful and purposeful activities help individuals stay stronger and more independent. Having reasonable goals and challenges is important.
Achievement: the individual needs to enjoy a sense of accomplishment and to feel satisfied with personal efforts. Knowing that s/he has contributed increases a healthy outlook.
Significance: when a person feels that they matter, life is just better.