Guideline 11: Family carers displaying dominance

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LEARNING OUTCOMES: In this section, you will learn how to distinguish between wanted active family involvement and signs of unwanted family dominance. You will learn strategies to respectfully address and productively contain any inappropriate carer dominance.

Introduction

It can be hard to know whether a very active family member is helpfully articulating the patient’s needs and providing welcome corrections or comments, OR they are silencing the patient and reducing their autonomy 18,62,63.

Sometimes, a family member's active involvement (or even what might be perceived by others as "dominance") is actually welcome and appreciated by the patient. This may be a normal part of their relationship. However, there are other times where a patient's voice may be taken away by a dominant or controlling family member.

The challenge for health professionals is figuring out if displays of dominance are unwanted.

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OVERALL COMPLETION

Guideline 11

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