When people get ill they are more vulnerable and often unable to fend for themselves. It can also be a stressful thing to be in the hospital for both patients and their families. Plans may not go as they were expected, judgment can be impaired and often people do not feel up to par when they are sick. It can be of much relief to have a strong support system in these times. A patient advocate can be among that group of people ensuring that a patient gets all that they want and need during such difficult times.
These advocates are essentially available as the spokespersons, backers, promoters, sponsors, believers, supporters and campaigners for their clients. It is important that individuals find someone they trust to get the job done for himself or herself or loved ones. The most effective advocates are those who are willing to act on your behalf. These individuals must work well with other parties in the health care team, such as nurses and doctors.
Many times, the advocates are the loved ones. This might be a child, close friends, spouse or other member of the family willing to stand up for the patient. There are also professionals. Hospitals usually have these professionals on staff for clients in need. Persons in this profession might be called representatives. Nurses, social workers and chaplains might also take on this role.
Overall, the advocates will cut through red tape. It is important to inquire to see what help is available from professional advocates. In fact, most hospitals and health care facilities have these professionals available for those who need them.
The initial step is finding someone to do this work. Select an individual who you feel comfortable communicating with and have complete trust in. It is essential to find someone that is a good communicator and assertive. They should also be willing and capable of being an advocate for your specific needs. Then, decide on what you need help with that you cannot do on your own. Patients may need help when it comes to clarifying available care, asking questions, getting information, making note of important information, and assuring desires are carried out.
Advocates may be available to accompany patients to appointments, tests, procedures and treatments. Make sure the doctor or caregivers permit this. Be straightforward with the advocate about what role you want he or she to take on, and the areas in which you most need their support.
Make sure friends and family are aware that the advocate will serve as the spokesperson. Physicians and others administering care should be aware of who this person is and how he or she should be contacted. The advocates can be of great aid to patients while they are in need.
Family members, close friends and professionals can all be successful in this job. It is the responsibility of the sick individual to be as vocal as possible about what is needed and desires. Ultimately, the role of the advocate is to offer as much support in as many ways as possible.
These advocates are essentially available as the spokespersons, backers, promoters, sponsors, believers, supporters and campaigners for their clients. It is important that individuals find someone they trust to get the job done for himself or herself or loved ones. The most effective advocates are those who are willing to act on your behalf. These individuals must work well with other parties in the health care team, such as nurses and doctors.
Many times, the advocates are the loved ones. This might be a child, close friends, spouse or other member of the family willing to stand up for the patient. There are also professionals. Hospitals usually have these professionals on staff for clients in need. Persons in this profession might be called representatives. Nurses, social workers and chaplains might also take on this role.
Overall, the advocates will cut through red tape. It is important to inquire to see what help is available from professional advocates. In fact, most hospitals and health care facilities have these professionals available for those who need them.
The initial step is finding someone to do this work. Select an individual who you feel comfortable communicating with and have complete trust in. It is essential to find someone that is a good communicator and assertive. They should also be willing and capable of being an advocate for your specific needs. Then, decide on what you need help with that you cannot do on your own. Patients may need help when it comes to clarifying available care, asking questions, getting information, making note of important information, and assuring desires are carried out.
Advocates may be available to accompany patients to appointments, tests, procedures and treatments. Make sure the doctor or caregivers permit this. Be straightforward with the advocate about what role you want he or she to take on, and the areas in which you most need their support.
Make sure friends and family are aware that the advocate will serve as the spokesperson. Physicians and others administering care should be aware of who this person is and how he or she should be contacted. The advocates can be of great aid to patients while they are in need.
Family members, close friends and professionals can all be successful in this job. It is the responsibility of the sick individual to be as vocal as possible about what is needed and desires. Ultimately, the role of the advocate is to offer as much support in as many ways as possible.
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