The Relational Approach™ in Seniors’ Care

Empower staff and families with training + support
to amplify trust and build respect as partners in care

TRUSTED BY

Transform Care Through Connection

In Seniors’ Care, relationships aren’t just important—they’re essential. Yet, without empathy and relational training, care teams struggle to manage family expectations, navigate emotional conflicts, and build the trust needed for meaningful partnerships. Unresolved tensions create misunderstandings, increase staff burnout, and cause emotional strain for both families and care teams.

Without empathy and relational training, meaningful relationships fail to develop, impacting quality of life and care.

Build a Community of Care and Understanding

Your staff will feel more confident and capable in being able to communicate and connect with families across the board. You'll gain the trust of family members in the process.

Many working in seniors’ care might think, “Of course, we’re relational—this is what we do every day.” And it’s true: caregiving inherently involves human connection.

However, The Relational Approach™ emphasizes going beyond the caregiving tasks to intentionally strengthen emotional and relational bonds among care teams, residents, and families. It recognizes that even in a caring environment, pressures like regulatory compliance, staff shortages, and emotional fatigue can strain relationships. By equipping care teams with relational tools, we ensure that empathy, understanding, and trust aren't just practiced occasionally—they become embedded in daily care, making the experience more fulfilling for everyone involved.

Trust Begins With Empowered Care Teams

With The Relational Approach™ Framework, we address the emotional and relational disconnect between seniors care staff, residents, and their families. Through  training, education, and programs, we equip care leaders and teams with the tools they need to navigate tough conversations, ease emotional tensions, and build trust-based partnerships—creating a care experience where everyone feels heard, respected, and connected.

I’m Deborah Bakti and I’ve been on both sides of seniors’ care.

One moment we’re the conventional suburban family: career, two kids, four level side split home, and the next my husband Ty is diagnosed with a disease that only 400 people in the world have. There’s no cure and no way out other than a slow degenerative passage that he’s forced, by necessity, to be shepherded through with the support of long term care living...and dying.

Trust Begins With Empowered Care Teams, 2

I’ve lived the resident’s family member's journey three times over with my dad, husband, then mom. And not once did anyone hand me a playbook!

The irony and maybe the mercy here is that I actually worked in the senior's care industry, so I knew the operational side of things, and the many challenges and pressures. Then I got tagged with this residents’ wife identity in this new, harrowing, unwanted and oversized compartment of my life.

After 25+ years of climbing the corporate ladder to an executive position, I was called to step off the rungs since I couldn’t stay on the well-worn path.

I know what it's like to be on both sides of the table and that perspective is exactly what you need to make lasting and effective change.

Three steps to transforming care communities:

Step 1: Schedule a conversation

We'll chat about your home's specific needs and Deborah will offer up the right solution and a customized approach (staff training, family education, or admission review & redesign.)

Step 2: Implement the customized approach

Integrate the practical tools and principles learned in your home and enhance your staff, resident, and family interactions.

Step 3: Cultivate a culture of empathy

Foster an environment of open communication and mutual support, benefitting residents, their families and your care team members.

Hear from those transformed by Deborah’s approach:

Create a Culture of Connection and Collaboration in Seniors’ Care

  • Create a culture where everyone feels respected and understood—staff, residents, and families alike.
  • Give your team the tools they need to handle tough emotional moments with confidence and compassion.
  • Move beyond tasks and build real relationships that make care more meaningful for everyone involved.

Take the first step toward redefining care through connection. Join the movement to create thriving, relationship-centered seniors’ care built on empathy, trust, and collaboration.