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Be Your Own Best
Advocate
By Kate Granigan |
 Marshfield
- A very common concern I hear from many elders and their
family caregivers regards getting the care they need from
their medical providers, health care systems, specialists
and insurance coverage.
There are more medical options and treatments available now
than ever but along with this often comes confusion
regarding choices and rights. Many people remember the day
when a doctor would come to your home, and would know you
and your family intimately. They now find it very difficult
to take part in the relatively fast paced, personally
detached, highly technical medical practices of today.
Changes in insurance coverage, demands made on doctors to
treat many more patients in a shorter amount of time and
changes in diagnostic testing and more efficient systems can
lead to a feeling of apprehension for many older patients.
Many elders feel that their concerns and needs are being
ignored, and that their primary care doctor does not get all
the necessary information to treat their needs. This
perception of poor care as equated with efficient and faster
paced practice can be detrimental to the older patient as
the level of trust and comfort is compromised.
It is more important than ever today to do some preparing
for any medical appointment, and if possible, have an extra
set of “eyes and ears” or an advocate, with you during these
appointments.
Here are a few tips to make every doctor appointment a
success:
• Prepare your thoughts and questions for the doctor before
your visit.
• Take a written list of these questions, facts, and
concerns that you want addressed by the doctor at your
visit.
• Have a copy of this written list to share with the nurse
as they check you in so that the doctor has a chance to
review it prior to entering the room.
• Have an updated list of all medications, including any
over the counter medicines you are using.
• Whenever possible, have someone with you to take notes, so
that you have all the information you need once you leave
the office.
If you are to be hospitalized, be sure to have someone
available with you who understands the health care system
and your rights as a patient. Frequently, patients find
themselves being discharged before adequate home care
systems are in place. This can often lead to preventable
re-hospitalizations. It is hard to advocate for ourselves
when we are ill, have had a few bad nights sleep in a
hospital or are unsure of our rights to refuse a poorly
planned discharge. Having the right advocate on your side
will increase the likelihood of a successful return home.
The medical field is rapidly changing and with new
technology and advances we as consumers have a greater
chance then ever to benefit from this. Taking time to
prepare and become an educated consumer can make the
difference between feeling supported and cared for or
overwhelmed and ignored.
By following the suggestions above and becoming an active
participant and team member in our own healthcare we can
find the care we all need and deserve in today’s healthcare
system.
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About The Author
Kate Granigan, LICSW is the Executive Director of C.A.R.E,
LLC a private geriatric care management practice serving
elders throughout Massachusetts. She can be reached at (781)
837-744 or on the web at
www.care-elderspecialist.com.
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