The Revolving Door 

Advocating for yourself or your loved one

This past June and October we featured Op-Ed articles discussing "The Revolving Door" issue.

Read on for Part 3

Click here to view the June article

Click her to view the October article

It is well demonstrated that seniors can do well at home with support. However, when they have been hospitalized or undergone rehabilitation, the transition home may be difficult.

Under the Patient Protection and Affordability Act specific steps are being taken to make facilities responsible for the care they provide. This is clear recognition that there is a problem. The steps being taken are mostly similar carrots and sticks to those tried in the past, though.

When the "compact between the patient and physician has been severely eroded" (according to a past president of the American College of Physician Executives October edition, 2010 of Physician Executive); the best method to insure that you or a loved one get everything they need during the admission and upon discharge is to advocate for yourselves.

Facilities are increasingly burdened with non-care tasks. Paper work is expanding exponentially. Systems may not be optimized for a patient and a professional facing a broken arm while there is a person with multiple traumatic injuries in the next room, is likely to give the broken arm a low priority.

Simply being there for a loved one increases the attention paid to the patient. Often a family member or CAREGiver can make it easier for a patient to eat their meal or go to the bathroom. It also decreases the anxiety and loneliness of the patient.

You can advocate more effectively if you become informed. There is amazing information on the internet. Reviewing some articles on the problem you or your loved one is having and discussing them with the treating professionals significantly increases their responsiveness.

Discharge comes fast. It is important to start asking when it is expected and what the client will need very early in the stay. The time of discharge is often dictated by circumstances that are not related to the condition of the patient. Seniors in particular may need help with eating, bathing, taking their medications, etc. The health care system is unlikely to plan for these needs, so you need to.

During either in or outpatient treatment, it is OK to question. If you don't understand something that is being asked of you make sure you get an explanation. If you think you would be better with an operation today instead of next Monday, say so. During a recent experience when I needed surgical repair of my broken arm, they did move the operation up three days, saving three additional days of pain and starting the healing process and therapy earlier.

Most health care professionals genuinely want their patients to get better as fast as possible and with the best long term results. They will respond patiently and effectively to questions, providing you with information they might not realize you need and considering problems that they did not realize you are facing.

To learn more about Home Instead Senior Care of Northborough and Natick, please visit:

                     www.hearthside-homeinstead.com

                      Home Instead Senior Care:

                  Trusted Care for the Senior You Care For