How to Help Seniors Get The Care and Advocacy They Need
We all know how difficult it can be to keep track of doctor recommendations, medications, advice, insurance, and costs when we’re dealing with our own medical care. Compound that with the confusion of dementia or reduced short term memory, and a decreased ability to communicate their needs and challenges, and the process for your senior becomes even more daunting. Your loved one depends on someone to help keep the big picture straight.
“ A health advocate can be a spouse, relative, friend, or caregiver that you trust. The older you are, the more important it is to have another person with you during visits. Having two people hear the discussion and making sure they understand is much better than just one set of ears.” – John Burton, M.D. Johns Hopkins expert
How can you be an effective advocate for your loved one?
Most importantly, you need to care. When you care about their health and general well-being, you are more inclined to ask the deeper questions, seek out additional opinions, research other approaches, and push back on unnecessary expenses. Other helpful traits to have are good organizational skills, some free time, physical aptitude to bring your senior to and from multiple appointments, and social skills to work with the various health professionals who are collaborating on your senior’s care plan.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Health advocates, whether they are paid professionals, free placements, or family members, provide several services
• Coordinate with Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance companies
• Help get the patient to doctor visits, testing, and procedures
• Track prescriptions and help ensure they take proper amounts at correct times
• Research alternative therapies and treatments & discuss options with the senior and their medical team
• Make sure that things like Power of Attorney and Living Wills are in place
Paid advocates can provide the following additional help:
• A complete assessment with care recommendations (usually completed in the senior’s home)
• Assistance finding appropriate housing and transitioning to the new living environment such as an assisted living facility
• Reviewing all bills from medical professionals, hospitals, and insurance companies for accuracy
• Identifying and securing community services such as Meals on Wheels, adult daycare, or wheelchair transportation services
• Handling paperwork to ensure service delivery
If you are unable to hire professional advocacy assistance, many times local senior centers can help. Often, they are familiar with resources and are committed to helping your senior maintain some level of independence. Senior centers administer a range of programs such as congregate meals, transportation services, and community education.
Source: National Council on Aging
In addition, they will need the daily personal health advocacy provided by checking in on their routine, health, weight and mobility, and prescriptions. You are an extension of your senior’s mind and spirit, and will be able to be a better advocate for their health when in the doctor’s office or at the pharmacy. Even if you are working with a professional advocate, you will be able to share this information.
What is a Professional Health Advocate?
They are often individuals with higher degrees in nursing, social work, or gerontology that help seniors with a variety of issues, including those related to medical, financial, and insurance problems.
They may work out of an office, but will usually make home or facility visits. The best ones are kind, knowledgeable, and results-driven when it comes to getting your senior’s needs met.
Source: Institute on Aging
Question for the Medical Team about Medications & Treatment
• How will I know that the treatment is working?
• What are the potential side effects?
• How will this medicine interact with other medications that my loved one is taking?
• What is the cost of the medicine or treatment prescribed? Are there less expensive alternatives?
• Do you have written information about the treatment that we can take home?
Source: Family Caregiver Alliance
If you believe that you or a loved one could use some extra care around the house, click here to see a full list of Home Care services Parkwood Home Care offers.