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/