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Who Will Speak for You?
By Michele | July 17, 2009
It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. When you choose a patient advocate for you or your loved ones, make sure that person is someone who is both competent and able to communicate your wishes. Your closest family member may not be the best choice if that person is not assertive or has physical challenges that limit his or her ability to battle on your behalf. I have seen some real nightmares play out in hospital halls when well-meaning but ineffective relatives frustrated themselves and everyone else in their failed attempts to advocate for their patient. No amount of tears can compensate for confused communication.
On a recent hospital visit, someone asked me, "Are you a nurse?" My response was, "No, I just hang out with a lot of sick people." Here are a few things I’ve learned on my own path through the medical maze.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones:
- Designate someone who can communicate, speak for you and advocate on your behalf.
- Execute Advance Directive documents. A Living Will spells out your wishes about medical and end of life issues. A Health Care Proxy, a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions, or a Health Care Power of Attorney are variations of a document that allows you to authorize someone to act on your behalf and make decisions about your medical care when you are no longer competent to do so.
- Enlist the aid of the social worker at the assisted living or rehab facility. He or she may be able to intercede with the doctor and communicate your concerns. Ideally, engage the services of a geriatric care manager early in the process.
- If you do not want the medical team rushing in "full code" with a defibrillator, talk to your doctor and ask that a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order be placed in your file. Inspect your file to see that it’s there.
On this blog, I share my personal experiences in the hope that you may avoid some of the mistakes I’ve seen and made along the way. I am not a medical professional or an attorney. Please consult your own advisers about the choices that are best for you and your loved ones.
Topics: Caregiving |