photo credit: MilitaryHealth
For any patient, a hospital stay can be overwhelming, filled with tests and procedures and doctors and nurses coming and going.
This whirlwind of medical activity can be especially distressing for elderly patients. However, a family member or caregiver who sits vigil bedside can calm a senior patient’s anxiety, both as a reassuring presence and as an advocate who makes certain that hospital staff respond effectively to the patient’s questions, needs and concerns.
An advocate can serve as a spokesperson and provide a second set of ears when a doctor or other medical professional explains procedures, tests, diagnoses or treatments. When the explanations aren’t clear, the advocate can follow up with questions. That is not easy for a patient to do when confined to bed.
And if there is not time at the moment, the advocate can set another time to meet with the doctor or nurse.
An elderly patient’s advocate also can help by providing at registration:
• A complete list of the patient’s prescription and over-the-counter medications, with dosages, frequency and start dates. (And the advocate can keep tabs on additional medications that are prescribed during the hospital stay, making sure the doctors are aware of the other drugs the patient is already taking.)
• Any known allergic reactions to medications
•The patient’s written medical history with a list of current medical providers’ phone numbers
The advocate’s role can be especially important when he or she holds medical power of attorney for the patient. Medical power of attorney allows the advocate, or another legally specified individual, to make decisions about the patient’s care if the patient is ever unable to. Families should always be encouraged to discuss ahead of time end-of-life decisions with one another, and set up living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care, to make certain their wishes are followed in the event of a medical crisis.
Also, an advocate can be there to observe any changes in the patient that may not be apparent to staff. After all, a family member or caregiver is very familiar with the individual, and better able to detect subtle changes than overworked hospital staff.
By being a good advocate, you can help relieve a person’s anxiety, confusion and feelings of helplessness in the hospital—and make sure he or she gets the best care possible.
Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages, Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.
