125. Why you need to be an advocate for your loved one while they're in the hospital
How can I best support my loved one in the hospital?
Become a patient advocate.
As your loved one's age, health incidents happen - and if they become hospitalized, you may find yourself in the position of “patient advocate.”
Senior Living Expert Lori Williams lived this experience as her husband was hospitalized for strokes over the holiday season. While undeniably stressful, it was also eye-opening as she learned how to best advocate for her husband while he was literally unable to speak for himself.
Now she brings both empathy and insight to those in this scenario.
Whether you’re advocating for a child or a senior, here are some important things to think about:
- Be assertive. It’s not only acceptable to ask your doctor questions, it’s preferable so you can understand what your loved one needs and navigate their care plan.
- Keep a record of what you learn. Whether it’s taking notes in a notebook or recording the doctors’ explanations on your phone, it’s helpful for keeping the many facts straight (and helps you recall details later).
- Know your loved one’s medical history, medications, and allergies. Healthcare workers will always ask about this during treatment.
- Stay alert - healthcare workers are human too and can make mistakes. Plus, there are many nurses and doctors coming and going, and as the caregiver, you’re in a unique position of seeing it all. If your loved one can’t communicate or be their own advocate, it’s on you to be their eyes and ears and speak on their behalf.
- Use your voice. If something seems amiss, say something. If your loved one isn’t receiving quality care, stand up for what’s right so they receive that care.
- Find quality senior living experts. They can help you and your loved one during the next steps of your journey, which may be a rehab facility, home health and caregiver services at home or an assisted living facility.
Through it all, it’s important you know you deserve kind, dignified, and informative care, especially during a stressful time. Even patient advocates need their own advocates! Having the right people in your corner can lift a heavy burden off your shoulders.
Topics discussed:
Patient advocacy
Caring for hospitalized family
Senior living experts
Caregiving
Mistakes in healthcare
Doctor errors
Understanding medical treatment
Takeaways from this episode;
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions when advocating for a loved one is in the hospital. It’s not a sign of disrespect to ask for clarification or detailed explanations.
- Keep a notebook with you to write down what you learn and what you’re going through.
- If your loved ones can’t advocate for themselves, don’t leave them alone. Rotate hospital shifts with other family / friends if you have that luxury.
- Treatment doesn’t end at the hospital - plan out your next steps. This is where a local senior advisor service, like mine can help you make a plan!
- Nobody’s perfect, and that includes healthcare workers. Pay attention as best as you can.
- Go with your gut. If something seems wrong, say something.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
124. 5 Tips to remember when your loved one is in ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
121. Strokes: warning signs, prevention, risk factors and action plan
To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com
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