When people are ill, they are often left more vulnerable. When someone lands in the hospital because they are unwell, it can be stressful for patients and their families. Many times the plans do not go accordingly, judgment may be impaired, and people are not at their best when they do not feel well. It can be a great relief to have people who are on your side and willing to help during such times. Patients can benefit from someone who will offer support them and look out for their best interests, especially when it comes to getting the right care. A patient advocate is a person who offers this aid to patients in need.
The advocate is also the campaigner, supporter, promoter, backer, spokesperson, sponsor and believer. It is important that patients assign this job to a person whom they trust to do the job well. In order to be effective in this position, one must be willing to act on the behalf of the client or patient. These persons must also be able to work well with the other members of the patient's care team, including nurses and doctors.
Usually advocates are loved ones of the patient. This might be a close friend, child, spouse or other member of the family that is willing to offer the continued support. There are also professional advocates available. These individuals are often employed and staffed by hospitals, and might be referred to as representatives. Social workers, chaplains and nurses have been known to fulfill this role as well.
Ultimately, advocates will be involved with cutting through the red tape. It is recommended that individuals inquire about the professional advocates. Many of these are made available through health care facilities and hospitals.
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.
These persons may be allowed to go to treatments, tests, appointments and procedures with the patients. It is important to check to make sure this is ok with the doctors or caregivers. The sick should be straightforward about what all they expect and need from their advocate so that they can receive all the potential benefits of advocacy.
Be sure that family and friends are aware that the advocate will act as your spokesperson. It is also important that physicians and others who are giving you care know who your advocate is, as well as how to contact him or her. These individuals can be extremely helpful to ill patients during a serious time of 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.
The advocate is also the campaigner, supporter, promoter, backer, spokesperson, sponsor and believer. It is important that patients assign this job to a person whom they trust to do the job well. In order to be effective in this position, one must be willing to act on the behalf of the client or patient. These persons must also be able to work well with the other members of the patient's care team, including nurses and doctors.
Usually advocates are loved ones of the patient. This might be a close friend, child, spouse or other member of the family that is willing to offer the continued support. There are also professional advocates available. These individuals are often employed and staffed by hospitals, and might be referred to as representatives. Social workers, chaplains and nurses have been known to fulfill this role as well.
Ultimately, advocates will be involved with cutting through the red tape. It is recommended that individuals inquire about the professional advocates. Many of these are made available through health care facilities and hospitals.
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.
These persons may be allowed to go to treatments, tests, appointments and procedures with the patients. It is important to check to make sure this is ok with the doctors or caregivers. The sick should be straightforward about what all they expect and need from their advocate so that they can receive all the potential benefits of advocacy.
Be sure that family and friends are aware that the advocate will act as your spokesperson. It is also important that physicians and others who are giving you care know who your advocate is, as well as how to contact him or her. These individuals can be extremely helpful to ill patients during a serious time of 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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