How can you build relationships with homebound community members?

Identifying the needs of homebound community members is essential for providing effective support. Here’s how to approach it: Use Referrals Effectively: Collaborate with local healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations to get referrals. These sources often have valuable insights into the individual's health and social needs. Conduct Thorough Assessments: Implement comprehensive assessments that cover various aspects such as physical health, mental health, daily living skills, social connections, and environmental factors. This holistic approach helps in understanding their overall situation.

In my health and vaccine equity work, connecting with homebound individuals requires a holistic strategy. This involves coalition development, multi-tiered interventions, transparency, community engagement and partnerships, and leveraging social networks to advance health equity. Tactics include needs assessments, collaboration, cultural competence advocacy, and ensuring equal resource access. Transparent communication, partnerships, interdisciplinary teams, virtual support groups, technology use, skill-building workshops, mobile health units, and transportation support are key for fostering social networks, empowerment, and education. Sustained and ongoing community engagement is crucial for building trust and lasting connections.

Even before this step, it’s essential to understand your motivations in reaching out. If your contact is professional in nature, there will be certain expectations involved for both parties. It is important to begin with empathy and awareness of the other person’s needs, but also your own feelings and biases as you enter the situation. Remember, you’re meeting this person for the first time. What’s been written/assessed may not always be an accurate representation. Your goals may not be their goals. Background helps, but the most important objective is the actual human to human contact where the homebound person feels SEEN and UNDERSTOOD so that the assessment is accurate, and goals are ultimately right for that patient.

First: Work with empathy. Seeking to understand. Realize that they have strengths and potential, the access and opportunity may be limited. Second: Start with what you have on hand, by understanding their current methods, systems, and established processes in place. Third: Create strong relationship building. Try to expand a network of access by utilizing their resources. Create strong relationships and partnerships that may lead to a long-lasting impact and sustainable approach. Finally, implement a strong monitoring and evaluation system that will be based on reflection and data-driven to create appropriate changes.

I am embarrassed to admit it, but it wasn't until I started working in a faith-based setting that I even developed relationships with homebound community members. That was over 18 years go and since that time, I have seen the positive impact on one's mental, emotionally and spiritual health when AUTHENTIC relationships are created and sustained. This happens for both the homebound community member as well as the one serving him/her/they. Much advice can be given, but I would say ultimately, honor and respect them and treat them as a gift entrusted to you. If you do, the genuine connectedness will be unmatched and sacred memories will be created.

The most important aspect to build relationships is to listen. Listening enhances your ability to personalize, understand, and have empathy for homebound/virtual community members. Your ability to listen governs your ability to successfully communicate.

This is sometimes the most challenging aspect of any organization. Communication is essential. That communication ties with the team supporting that homebound community’s way to connect and support each other’s needs. It is not a one shoe fits all model. Each person has different ways of connecting and communicating. Just like in a classroom, each student learns, understands and communicates differently. Find out the best way to communicate with the individual if that is who you trying to connect with or send communication out in various levels or methods.

Connecting with homebound community members requires a thoughtful approach. Start by reaching out through phone calls or sending cards to show you care. Offer assistance with tasks like grocery shopping or running errands. Schedule regular check-ins to chat, listen to their stories, and share yours. Technology helps too—video calls or sending funny texts can brighten their day. Organize virtual events or book clubs they can join from home. Respect their comfort level and always be patient and understanding. Building relationships with homebound folks is about kindness, consistent support, and finding ways to stay connected despite physical distance.

The communication aspect is the most important factor in building relationships with homebound community members. It should be the initial step that is followed by the action of listening emphatectically. Homebound members of our communities want to feel that they are connected to the outside world. When homebound persons have no one to talk to they feel secluded. That feeling can be shifted with consistent communication which is followed by the action of listening. The journey starts with communication first!

Regular communication is key. Reach out to homebound folks through phone calls, emails, texts, or even old-school letters, depending on what they're comfortable with. Set up a regular schedule for these chats and try your best to stick to it. This shows them you're truly there for them, respecting and valuing their company and conversation. It's not just about checking in; it's about making them feel connected and cared for.

Experience tells me that more listening, less asking open ended questions is key. Sometimes the open ended questions can direct the conversation to a place the person is not really prepared for. Active listening. Pay attention to your body position and what it may be communicating. Patience is royalty.

Listen and understand their needs. Then give sincere compliment or positive encouragement. Continue to stay in touch and develop relationship.

Absolutely, listening and empathizing are foundational in forging strong connections with homebound individuals. It's also important to remember that these interactions are not just about solving problems, but about providing emotional support. Sometimes, the best way we can help is by offering a consistent and comforting presence. It's beneficial to regularly check in, even if it's just to chat about their day or share a light-hearted moment. This consistent engagement shows that we care about them as individuals, not just as recipients of services. Let's ensure our interactions are as much about emotional support as they are about practical help.

Validation can go a long way especially if the person is struggling with chronic illness that is forcing them to be homebound.

Find community connections that are close by or accessible (support groups, art class, webinars by local universities and/or groups). Know you are not the be all help for this person...having them connect with others(in person or remotely) and learn more about their challenges empowers them. They might want to volunteer, lead in solutions or cultivate a friendship who could be a future support for them in the wee hours of the morning. Honor their histories and their life stories by giving them places to go and people to see who value their life stories...this is just as valuable if not moreso as you spending an hour listening to them...they have a chance in the future to be themselves their way...

The Cancer Support Community is chock full of courageous immunocompromised members who are homebound. Sharing stories, treatment experiences, struggles as well as daily hobbies creates deep bonds. My most difficult days have been discovering that a trusted friend and fellow patient has passed. Their family and caregivers often remark on how important and meaningful online communities were to lost loved ones. So keep contributing to your social networks as it really helps people going through tough times.

Growing up, my empathy muscle was strengthened by my grandmothers request for me to deliver meals to home bound neighbors. My Grandmother would make extra one night a week for the three neighbors who were home bound. Not only did I learn empathy, Ms Nanny, one of the neighbors, helped me to become a ferocious reader. I would sit under her window on the stoop, and she would drop a fruit basket down on a string, with a book for me to read to her. I would so look forward to her dropping a piece of candy in the basket when it was time to go home, if I knew all the words.

Excelente todo lo que genere valor, bienestar estoy abierta a proporcionarlo desde mi realidad profesional y humana. Muchas veces se desarrolla unas relaciones muy sólidas por estos medios pues las personas están necesitadas de sentirse escuchadas, de afecto y de diálogos constructivos de alma a alma o de corazón a corazón poder expresar los sentimientos y sentirse entendidos y validados , muchas veces el diálogo por estos medios digitales es más sincero y abierto.

One thing I find helpful with homebound patients. Many want to be seen and heard. I have worked with leadership in long term care organizations. I each there are people who just need human interaction. Spend time with them. Be another person in their lives.

I find that sharing personal stories with community members, especially in relation to their experiences helps to build a bond with them. It’s easy to view us as outsiders of communities as professionals rather than people. However, sharing our lived experience with communities helps to build trust, and establish a common understanding and acknowledgment of experiences. It establishes that sense of cultural humanity.

Providing resources and referrals is a crucial aspect of supporting homebound community members. Here's how to effectively offer this assistance: Compile a Resource List: Maintain an updated list of local resources and services beneficial for homebound individuals, including home healthcare providers, meal delivery services, transportation options, and recreational activities tailored to their capabilities. Understand Specific Needs: Tailor your resource recommendations based on each individual's specific needs. For example, someone with mobility issues might benefit more from a home healthcare service, while another might appreciate social interaction through community programs.

Providing resources and referrals are beneficial. I find that referrals are more useful than a resource list, especially if the referral is to a trusted resource in the community. In relation to community-led organizations, purposeful technical assistance comprising professional development centered on (1) grant writing skills and resources, (2) program planning and implementation, (3) monitoring and evaluation, and (4) capacity building with other organizations with similar missions is critical. Furthermore, providing and/or prioritizing funding for community-led organizations is another way to build relationships with communities.

This is incredibly important - most people cannot imagine the expense involved with transportation, meals, housekeeping, and other activities of daily living when a person becomes homebound either temporarily or permanently. It can translate to thousands of dollars every month. Some people will not want to share the depth of their struggle for fear that they will be judged or have adult children take them out of their homes. Practice empathy. Start by imagining that suddenly you fractured your leg in the middle of COVID lockdown with COVID symptoms and a 6 month old baby and no family members nearby to help. While not perfect, the helplessness and disorientation is somewhat analogous - it would be very difficult. Empathy matters.

Some need simple things like transportation. I belong to an organization whose main mission is to serve and support cancer patients. You may be surprised to know that many can't travel alone. We arrange for those things to get them to their doctor's office, or even personal things, like grocery shopping. If they have needs beyond our capabilities, I provide them with people who can help!

I believe that it is important to help the homebound individual to develop a community of support. Often, when they feel isolated and separated, there can be an uptick in mental distress. The first thing I would do is help them identify their supporters whether it is family, church, neighbors, or collaborative agencies. Allowing the help seeker to take the lead on this, is always important.

To follow through with what you have said you will do is a requirement to building trust in a relationship. When I let my members know that I will check back with them, I am making a commitment that goes straight into my calendar. For our members who are not able to be with us in person, I make frequent contact to simply ask how our video and audio is coming through for them. These conversations often move into other issues that I may not have heard otherwise.

Practice transparency. When you follow up, especially instances where data, measurements, etc. are involved always let those community members know that this is part of your visit wheather that tracking of data benefits them or is part of your evaluation process. Additionally, if something changes and therefore your patterns will change, discuss this with them before your patterns change in order to maintain your relationship and trust.

Building relationship is a regular process. Maintained a scheduled frame always. Addressing any celebrated issues and their successful . To raise a development outreach.

Developing a relationship with a homebound community member is a meaningful and rewarding endeavor that requires empathy, patience, and consistent effort. Remember, building a relationship takes time and effort. By consistently demonstrating care, understanding, and respect, anyone can develop a meaningful connection with a homebound community member and significantly improve their quality of life.

Be genuine. And don’t assume. Not everyone who is homebound is lonely. Some enjoy the solitude. If you are attempting to build trust, then follow through. Recognize that your interpretation of their life situation might be very different than how they see themselves. As an example, be careful about documenting that a person is depressed if they cry during the assessment; maybe a tear is just a tear. Read recent reports on health equity by the NIH and ACL for people with disabilities and chronic illness, and the medical abuse many have faced. With compassion as your opening stance, you will be equipped to SEE the human and deliver the CARE needed.

You know what? From my 11 years of volunteering experience in Caritas Internationalis, I have never met a single Homebound Community Member who thought about our relationship in terms of "services" & "strategic communication". They feel in terms of "I just want to talk with you" & "I want you to notice me". What about visiting them? If they belong to your circle of people bound geographically, you must build bridges. And please drop those generalized data sheets before you pay a visit. Every life has a story. You won't meet two that are the same.

Make sure you enable personal engagements. When items and subjects are presented by people who are personally invested - it will be captivating to everyone involved.

Having volunteered to visit homebound church members, one thing that seemed to touch them was bringing my young children. One of the other considerations was to communicate "regularly." I read that two different ways; communicate on a regular basis, but also communicate like you would a friend, not some homebound parriah. When my son was 6 or 7 years old, he'd ask questions like they were just another person, not fully understanding they were unable to leave their homes. So, try connecting your homebound community with today's children and watch how the interaction builds. Also, be careful of breakable antiques ;-)

This is a very important topic. The measure of the assets and strengths of a whole community especially in mapping out reasoned sustainable growth and vitality is being able to demonstrate that all members of a community have value and are integral to the reality of its livability. Clearly, a rationale approach to assuring connections with homebound residents is important in demonstrating a community's strength.