For on-going or on-call clients, our role as healthcare advocates is extremely valuable. These days, almost anyone benefits from having a medical advocate with them in the hospital or ER. Mature adults of all cognitive abilities appreciate having the extra set of eyes and ears when interacting with their doctors and medical staff. But this is especially needed when there are memory issues. We are sure to be accurate in representing our client and their support systems wishes and questions when acting in this role.
Likewise, doctors appreciate knowing that there will be follow-through with treatment plans and recommendations after their time with the client.
Research shows that increased compliance with out-patient or hospital discharge plans means less emergencies and (re)hospitalizations.
How We Assist
Our role as healthcare advocates involves:
- We come prepared to all appointments, hospitalizations and emergencies with the records that we have gleaned from our intake and our on-going relationship.
- We become client experts, keeping up to date with symptoms, medications, allergies and medical histories.
- We get to know all of our client’s doctors and of course we have all phone numbers for them and support people in our client’s lives. Manned with this information, (signed disclosure forms) and our alert attention to the detail, we are comfortable to be appropriately assertive in medical situations. Therefore our presence helps to minimize the likelihood of mistakes and in some cases, helps to get care expedited.
With our clinical backgrounds, our geriatric care managers are available to counsel through some of the tough decisions that need to be made along the way.
We have been told by adult children of our clients that this type of support is invaluable!
Directions in Senior Care 