It can be frustrating when you communicate with the medical staff your concerns regarding your loved one and for whatever reason they do not take the necessary steps to help you find out what is going on. For example, your loved one is experiencing "unusual symptoms" and you are trying to find out what is the cause. It could be unexplained pain, muscle aches, extremely loose stools, or a myriad of other things. You talk with the specialist to find out what to do and they may listen but the issue is still not resolved. There is no plan of care in place and you are left feeling frustrated.
Here are some steps to take to help you get the answers you need -
Stay calm - It is hard to talk with someone who is visibly angry and upset. Typically, it is also difficult to make decisions in the best interest of your loved one when you are focused on the anger, anxiety, and frustrations of the moment. If you find yourself ready to explode take a moment to step back, take a deep breath, and gather your thoughts.
Keep a time line of what your concern is - When did the problem start, how long has it been going on, who you have talked with, and options that you have already tried. When you are talking with the doctor about these things give them the highlights of what has been going on since your last visit. Give them a copy of the time line that you have put together for them to put in their files. If possible try to keep this to one page.
Bring someone with you - It is always good to bring someone with you to your doctor's appointment who can help you advocate your concerns. You can bring a spouse, family relative, friend, or even the home health nurse with you who can share their perspective and concerns regarding the problems.
Talk with another doctor - If you are taking care of a loved one who has critical care needs, multiple doctors to follow, and/or you are an inpatient or outpatient regular at the hospital then talk with one of your doctors who you have a good relationship with. Ask them for advice, guidance, and direction on what you should do.
Hospital patient advocate - Sometimes the hospital will have a patient advocate on staff that you can turn to and talk with regarding your concerns. They can then step in and advocate on your behalf.
Do not be afraid to speak up if you have concerns. Things can be missed or overlooked by the doctor, nurses, or medical staff. If things remain unresolved then you have the right to find another doctor who will address your concerns and help you come up with a plan of care that is best for you and your loved one.
Penny Hanlon
http://www.cominghomeguide.com/
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
When your loved one has chronic medical needs, you are constantly making decisions on their behalf on a daily basis. You need to decide what doctor to see, which medicine to take, when to have surgery, what type of medical equipment do you need at home, etc. The more medical needs you have the more decisions you need to make.
So, how do you make the right decision, and how do you feel comfortable with the decision you have made?
First of all, don't be afraid to make a decision. Decisions that involve the health of your loved one can be paralyzing. You may or may not have the luxury of time to carefully consider all of your options and their possible outcomes. Trust that you are doing the best you can with the information that you have available.
Research and gather all of the information that you can to make an informed decision. Whether you are looking at needing a wheelchair, ordering medical equipment and supplies to use in your home, trying an experimental treatment, or just finding resources specific to your medical needs take the time to gather information and see what options are available to you.
Communicate with the medical staff involved in your care. You may have one doctor or multiple specialists, nurses, therapists, and case managers involved in your plan of care. Talk with them; find out what steps you need to take to make the necessary decisions in the day to day care. This will help in building a solid foundation of trust.
Talk to your spouse, close family and friends, and your clergy. Oftentimes they can offer clarity and insight on an issue that you may be dealing with. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need when making those tough choices.
Penny Hanlon
http://www.cominghomeguide.com/
So, how do you make the right decision, and how do you feel comfortable with the decision you have made?
First of all, don't be afraid to make a decision. Decisions that involve the health of your loved one can be paralyzing. You may or may not have the luxury of time to carefully consider all of your options and their possible outcomes. Trust that you are doing the best you can with the information that you have available.
Research and gather all of the information that you can to make an informed decision. Whether you are looking at needing a wheelchair, ordering medical equipment and supplies to use in your home, trying an experimental treatment, or just finding resources specific to your medical needs take the time to gather information and see what options are available to you.
Communicate with the medical staff involved in your care. You may have one doctor or multiple specialists, nurses, therapists, and case managers involved in your plan of care. Talk with them; find out what steps you need to take to make the necessary decisions in the day to day care. This will help in building a solid foundation of trust.
Talk to your spouse, close family and friends, and your clergy. Oftentimes they can offer clarity and insight on an issue that you may be dealing with. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need when making those tough choices.
Penny Hanlon
http://www.cominghomeguide.com/
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