Posts Tagged injuries
Become Your Own Healthcare Advocate
We know that in politics lobbyists hope to have influence on important political decisions. They are advocates for their specific causes. They are respected for their expertise and they keep focused on getting the results they desire. Wouldn’t you assume the same is true when applying the analogy to your own healthcare? When diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness it’s important for you or a care partner to become knowledgeable about advocating for the best outcome from treatment.
Be Intelligent
No one expects you to take a crash medical school course after being diagnosed with an illness. It’s not necessary that you understand anatomy and physiology or cell biology. It is important that you know how your own body works. What are the unique features of your body? What illnesses and injuries have you had? What medications are you allergic to? How do you respond to medication? It’s also important that you have at least a basic understanding of your diagnosis. You should know the actual diagnosis and all its particulars. If your specific disease has stages, phases or degrees, know where you are on the continuum. Do enough research so that you aren’t buried in information on your first doctor’s visit.
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Patient Advocate – An Important Role For All Caregivers
The job of caregiver, though usually unpaid, is one of the most complex and challenging roles anyone will undertake. There is no how-to manual that can adequately coach people on what it takes to keep a loved one safe and well once he or she has serious medical problems.
Whether you have a loved one living with you full-time or you manage his/her care from 3,000 miles away, chances are you will be called at some point to act as that person’s advocate. So, along with the responsibilities that many of the more than 35 million caregivers in this country face on a daily basis, such as feeding, cooking, bathing or overseeing hired help, you will also need to be a voice for that person if he/she isn’t able to ask crucial questions or find important information.
Tags: advocacy, advocate, advocates, doctor, health care, injuries, injury, institute, insurance, medical, nursing, nursing homes, palliative care, patient advocateRelated posts