Whether your loved one is in a rehabilitation facility, assisted living residence, or receiving in-home care, it is important that you stay aware and involved to ensure that their needs are met. In this week’s blog post, we have summarized a list of ways that you can be an advocate for your loved one during their times of need.
Awareness
Health care providers often see multiple patients in a day, so it is unlikely that they notice every change that is happening with their patients. It is important that you keep an eye on your loved one and take note of any changes in their acuity, abilities, or behavior. Make sure you are staying up to date on any medications they are taking, dietary restrictions/modifications, or any variations to the agreed upon plan of care. Being fully aware of your loved one’s health and who their care team is can be a huge help in preventing additional health issues from arising.
Communication
There might be times when a loved one is unable to communicate their wants or needs. It is important that you are a voice for them. As their advocate, you are a part of the care team. Caring for your loved one is a team effort and involves constant information sharing. All stakeholders need to be on the same page when it comes to decision making. If something needs to be addressed, it should be discussed with the health care provider and vice versa. Your loved one may not have the ability to effectively communicate their wants or needs, so you may need to step up and be able to speak on their behalf.
Ask Questions
As you begin working with health care providers and advocate on behalf of a loved one, do not hesitate to question recommendations made by a provider, even if it is just to educate yourself on the topic. It is not enough to simply know what is being done, but you should know the why behind every decision being made. Some reasonable questions that you should ask are:
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Can you explain exactly what that form of care entails?
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Why have you chosen that course of action over another?
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What adverse reactions, side effects, or warning signs should I look out for?
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What other options can you recommend?
Asking these types of questions show that you have awareness, want to be informed, and involved. If your loved one has trouble understanding what is happening, it is important that you can explain to them why certain decisions are being made.
Be Assertive
If you or your loved one are not satisfied with the level of care that they are receiving, do not be afraid to express your concerns. The health care providers are there to provide a service. Your loved one’s health and wellbeing should be a top priority for everyone involved. There is no harm in expressing your feelings or concerns about how the care team is performing.
Advocating for your loved one while they are receiving care is extremely important to making sure that their wellbeing and physiological needs are met. For more information regarding the services Brightstar Care of City Center provides, visit our website or contact us today.