A hospital stay can be challenging for both the patient and their family. When a loved one, particularly an elderly person, is in the hospital, they might feel vulnerable and uncertain about the process. As a family member, your role is important. By advocating for them, you help guarantee they receive proper care and feel supported throughout their hospital stay.
Advocacy involves speaking up, asking questions, and being involved in their medical care, all while keeping your loved one’s best interests at heart. In this article, we’ll explore how to be an effective advocate during your loved one’s hospital stay, so you can help ensure they receive the attention and care they deserve.
Stay Informed About Their Condition
The first step to being an advocate is to stay informed about your loved one’s medical condition. Ask the doctors, nurses, and medical team as many questions as needed to understand their diagnosis, treatment plan, and potential outcomes. This includes knowing what medications they are being given, any side effects to look out for, and the tests that will be performed. Understanding the medical terminology and treatment options helps you communicate more effectively with healthcare providers.
It’s important to write down information given by the doctors, as it can be overwhelming to remember everything. If possible, bring a notepad or use your phone to record details, so you can review them later. Having a clear understanding of your loved one’s situation allows you to make informed decisions and ask for clarification when needed.
Communicate Clearly With The Medical Team
Good communication is at the heart of effective advocacy during a hospital stay. You need to be the voice for your loved one, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed. When speaking with doctors and nurses, remain calm, clear, and respectful. If your loved one is too ill to ask questions or speak for themselves, make sure the medical team knows their preferences and any concerns they may have. Ask questions about their treatment, medication, or changes in their condition, and don’t be afraid to request more information if something seems unclear.
You should also keep track of who is responsible for your loved one’s care, including which doctor or nurse is in charge on a given shift. Knowing the names and roles of the healthcare providers can help streamline communication and prevent misunderstandings.
Monitor Their Condition And Emotional Well-Being
Alongside attending to the physical needs, it’s just as vital to keep an eye on your loved one’s emotional state during a hospital stay. Hospitals can feel overwhelming, leading to feelings of isolation or anxiety. As an advocate, aim to make sure they feel at ease and supported. Regularly check on how they’re handling the emotional strain of being in the hospital.
You can also help by bringing comforting items from home, such as a favorite blanket, book, or photo. Small touches of home can make the hospital feel less cold and impersonal, providing comfort to your loved one.
At Morada Friendswood, a retirement community with senior living options, residents are supported in both physical and emotional health. This attention to the whole person can significantly enhance recovery and improve the hospital experience.
Be Proactive In Preventing Hospital-Acquired Issues
Hospital-acquired infections or conditions like delirium can complicate a hospital stay. Hospital-induced delirium, for example, is common among older adults and can be caused by medications, lack of sleep, or the unfamiliar hospital environment. As an advocate, stay vigilant for signs of confusion, agitation, or changes in your loved one’s mental state.
To minimize these risks, ensure that the medical team is attentive to potential triggers, such as overuse of sedatives or lack of mobility. You can also advocate for your loved one to get enough rest by requesting that their room be kept quiet, with dimmed lights when necessary. Reducing disruptions and allowing time for sleep can help prevent delirium.
Understand Their Rights And Preferences
Every patient has rights, and you must be aware of these rights to better advocate for your loved one. Hospitals have policies to protect patient safety, privacy, and dignity. Make sure your loved one’s wishes are honored, whether it’s regarding the type of treatment they want or specific end-of-life care preferences.
If your loved one has an advance directive, make sure that the medical team is aware of it. This legal document outlines their healthcare preferences if they are unable to speak for themselves. It is your job as an advocate to ensure these wishes are respected and followed.
Prepare For Discharge And Recovery
Supporting your loved one continues even after they leave the hospital. The discharge process is a crucial part of their recovery, and it’s their responsibility to make sure they have everything they need to recover properly at home. Discuss with the medical team about the upcoming steps for recovery, including medications and follow-up appointments. Before they leave the hospital, get a clear understanding of the care instructions and ask for clarification on anything that seems unclear.
If your loved one will need additional help after they are discharged, consider whether in-home care or a short stay in a rehabilitation center is needed. In these cases, planning can make the transition smoother and reduce the chances of readmission. An in-home care provider or rehabilitation facility can offer the support your loved one needs while they recover in a comfortable environment.
Stay Organized And Keep Records
Keeping track of medical records, doctor’s notes, and prescriptions is another important responsibility. Organize all documents related to your loved one’s hospital stay, including test results, discharge papers, and billing information. Having everything in one place will make it easier to refer back to the information and follow up on any issues.
Keeping these records is helpful for any upcoming hospital visits or follow-up appointments. Staying organized allows you to give accurate information to healthcare providers, which makes your advocacy more effective.
Being a good advocate for your loved one during a hospital stay requires staying informed, communicating effectively, and ensuring their emotional well-being. By monitoring their condition, understanding their rights, and being involved in discharge planning, you can help them feel safe, supported, and well cared for. Advocacy is a vital role that can significantly improve the hospital experience and recovery process for your loved one.
If you have any questions about our senior living options, contact us today.
