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How to Talk to Your Parent About Moving to Memory CareMemory care offers social opportunities, cognitive engagement, and...
08/22/2023

How to Talk to Your Parent About Moving to Memory Care

Memory care offers social opportunities, cognitive engagement, and an enhanced quality of life for seniors with memory loss. People with dementia receiving care from highly trained staff members report fewer symptoms and medical visits than those not receiving such care, according to a 2019 study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. In addition, reliable care lowers stress and burnout for family members, the researchers note.

However, to benefit from memory care, seniors and family members must have a conversation about making the transition. “Years ago, families would have a heavy-handed approach, but it’s different now that we’ve learned more about the experience of people living with memory loss,” says David Troxel, former president and CEO of the California Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association. “I encourage adult children to form a partnership with their parent. Be authentic and genuinely express your concerns.”

Follow these steps to improve your chances for a good conversation.

Step 1: Get support from siblings and family members

Before approaching your parent or aging relative about moving to a memory care facility, contact family members who may be involved in the decision to ensure a united and supportive front. Several key strategies can simplify this process, particularly if adult siblings or other relatives are divided on whether memory care is needed.

Practice active listening

Active listening is a communication tactic grounded in empathy. While it’s easy to be formulating your own response while others are talking — particularly in emotional situations — active listening counters this and encourages conversation participants to stay in the present. According to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, features of active listening include:

Validation. Statements like “I understand this situation is frustrating” or “I can tell this is hard for you” let others know you’re considering their feelings.
Paraphrasing and asking for clarification.
Rewording someone’s statements not only shows you’re paying attention, but it also gives them an opportunity to explain further or redirect misunderstandings. Phrases like “It sounds like…” and “So, what I hear you saying…” can be effective entry points for summarizing a loved one’s points and inviting further discussion.
Use “I” statements. This common advice gets repeated for a reason. “I” statements, such as “I feel Mom’s not safe at home,” keep the focus on your feelings, rather than directing anger or judgment at someone else.
Ask questions and be curious. Questions can give you a lens into someone else’s viewpoint. Something like, “What concerns you about Mom moving to memory care?” lets the other person share their perspective.
Seek a credible, outside opinion

In situations where families struggle to agree, someone with experience in senior living or senior health can often help lead to a consensus, says Adair Nelson, a Senior Living Advisor with A Place for Mom. In fact, Nelson has served as a mediator in several family discussions throughout her career. Similarly, families might reach out to their parent’s primary care physician, a geriatric care manager, or a neurologist for a professional opinion.

The family needs to have consistent messaging. Keep it conversational. I would focus on socialization, safety, and quality of life issues.
David Troxel, former president and CEO of the California Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association
If your parent has yet to get a neuropsychological exam or it’s been some time since they’ve had one, now’s the time, says Troxel. This helps determine whether or not the family member is displaying symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as how far the disease has progressed. Additionally, doctors will ask caregivers about any changes they’ve observed, as well as use cognitive exam tools like the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). In many cases, a thorough doctor’s visit can solidify a decision to move a parent to memory care.

Detail the primary caregiver’s experience

Often, tensions arise between an adult sibling who cares for the parent regularly and other adult siblings. While Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms may not be easy to observe from one interaction, a senior’s primary caregiver has a more comprehensive view. Troxel, who served as a primary caregiver for his mother for 10 years, recommends caregivers keep a journal and share regular updates over email. This can make other relatives aware of what’s going on with your parent’s condition, as well as help them understand why memory care may be needed.

Step 2: Tour memory care facilities on your own

“I always suggest families tour a few facilities before mentioning it to the parent,” says Nelson. This way, they can reference specific memory care activities and amenities they think their parent or elderly loved one will appreciate. A Place for Mom Senior Living Advisors can schedule in-person and virtual tours with communities throughout the United States.

There’s another key advantage to touring a facility ahead of time: In the event of a sudden fall, injury, or dangerous wandering situation, families can more quickly choose and move their loved one to memory care.

Parents will often say, ‘You’re not shipping me off to a nursing home.’ People have these ideas in their heads that senior living is still like it was 20 to 30 years ago, but it’s changed.
Adair Nelson, Senior Living Advisor at A Place for Mom
To evaluate different communities, families can use this memory care checklist, which includes questions about staff training, amenities, security, and other important memory care features.

After visiting a memory care facility virtually or in-person, the next step depends on what stage of dementia your parent or loved one is experiencing. For seniors with advanced dementia symptoms, having a caregiver choose their community can minimize confusion, says Nelson.

Step 3: Consider who to include in the conversation

While some older adults may value the opinions of a big group, involving the whole family can make others feel defensive and overwhelmed. As with many components of memory care, the right approach varies.

If your parent has close relationships with multiple adult children, a collaborative family meeting, in-person or virtually, may be the right solution. This allows your loved one to hear from multiple trusted perspectives.
If a senior is sensitive about their dementia symptoms, they might prefer a one-on-one talk with their primary family caregiver. This can limit combativeness and resistance.
If your elderly loved one is hostile about their dementia diagnosisor denies their symptoms, consider involving their primary care doctor or neurologist. This can lend credibility.
If your parent requires memory care due to an emergency, like wandering or safety risks, a one-on-one conversation is the most efficient approach. There may not be time to gather the whole family.
Step 4: Choose the right setting, time, and place

Once you’ve decided who will participate in the conversation, lay the groundwork to make it successful.

Have the conversation in the morning. A talk over breakfast not only makes it more likely older adults will be more mentally sharp, it also minimizes the potential for agitation and anger caused by sundown syndrome.
Maintain your family member’s comfort level and privacy. Talk in a place where they feel confident and secure — most often, this means at their home. Whenever possible, it’s best to discuss moving to memory care in person.
Use supportive body language and visual cues. As dementia advances, confusion intensifies and physical signaling becomes even more crucial. Provide reassurance throughout the conversation by making eye contact, smiling, and even holding your loved one’s hand.
Step 5: Establish a core line or script

In his many conversations with families moving a parent to memory care, Troxel noticed that each person would use different verbiage when talking to their loved one. Some would position memory care as a temporary solution, while others would say their parent is moving into their lifelong home. Similarly, some family members would empathize with the difficulties of adjusting to a new setting, whereas others would talk about the positive aspects of memory care.

An inconsistent tone can further confuse and aggravate someone dealing with memory loss, says Troxel. “The family needs to have consistent messaging. Keep it conversational. I would focus on socialization, safety, and quality of life issues.”

Following this advice, here are some methods for developing an internal script that each family member can reference.

Focus on the benefits of memory care

For Megan Newlin, a teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, who worked with Nelson to find memory care for her mother, bringing up safety and staff friendliness made the conversation go smoother. After her mom suffered a series of seizures that affected her memory and mobility, Newlin highlighted how a memory care facility would better meet her needs.

“The way I phrased it was, ‘You’re going to stay somewhere where they’re able to take care of you,’” says Newlin. “She was really happy when I told her about the staff and their compassion.”

Nelson agrees that focusing on these relationships can keep the conversation positive and make memory care a more welcome transition. Similarly, talking about memory care therapies and activities may have the same effect.

I needed my mom to be my mom again, and I needed to be her daughter again, but I was her caregiver. Now that I have someone else who’s taking care of her, I’m able to have that relationship again.
Megan Newlin, a teacher who found memory care for her mother via A Place for Mom
“Parents will often say, ‘You’re not shipping me off to a nursing home.’ People have these ideas in their heads that senior living is still like it was 20 to 30 years ago, but it’s changed,” Nelson explains. “Educate your parent on the types of communities, as well as the programming and structure that they have.”

Nelson recommends mentioning the following memory care features:

Housekeeping
Nutritious meals and snacks
Clubs, activities, and other opportunities for socialization
Supportive and trained staff
Talk about “for now,” not forever

Newlin avoids panic by focusing on the short-term with her mother. “We’ve never told my mom that she’s going to be in memory care for the rest of her life,” she says. “We’ve said, ‘This is where you’re going to go now. They can help you with the things that you need help with.’ As time passes, she brings up coming home a whole lot less.”

Don’t make yourself the bad guy

“As a family member, whenever possible, try not to make yourself the bad guy,” says Troxel. “Say something like, ‘I know you want to live at home, but the doctor insists.’”

In other words, shifting personal responsibility for the decision can help preserve your relationship with your loved one.

What to do when your parent says “no”

So, you’ve presented the benefits of memory care, expressed concern for your parent’s safety, and consulted a doctor or other expert — and your parent still seems hesitant or downright hostile toward the idea of moving to memory care. Unfortunately, this is a common reaction. So common, in fact, that Troxel recommends families start the discussion early and expect a “no” as the parent’s initial response.

Here’s how to deescalate the situation and increase your loved one’s receptiveness.

Try to understand the emotion underneath. “None of us really want to leave our houses,” says Troxel. “None of us really want to give up driving.” Empathizing with how scary and unknown a new home or lifestyle may seem to a senior will help you reassure them in any follow-up conversations.
Put yourself in your parent’s shoes. A parent with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia will act differently than they used to. It can be helpful to remember the beliefs, opinions, and values they held before their condition progressed, and use these as a guide when making decisions. “You can say to yourself, ‘Mom is running around town disheveled,” Troxel says. “What would she have said about this 20 years ago if I had asked her about what I should do?’ Friends and family can say, ‘What do we think she would have wanted?’”
In emergency situations where a senior’s safety is at risk, families can stand firm in their decision to move a parent to memory care, leaning on legal tools like power of attorney or guardianship when necessary. These legal designations allow a trusted figure, like an adult child, to make decisions on a senior’s behalf when memory or judgment is impaired. Find support and let go of guilt

Broaching the topic of memory care with your parent and other family members can bring up complex emotions. Just as it’s important to take care of your loved one, it’s also crucial to prioritize and check in with yourself. Newlin recommends the following strategies, all of which helped her through her mother’s move:

Join an online or in-person support group.
Talk to a therapist or counselor.
Preserve your relationship with your parent or relative — and remind yourself that moving them to memory care is an act of love.
“I needed my mom to be my mom again, and I needed to be her daughter again, but I was her caregiver,” says Newlin. “Now that I have someone else who’s taking care of her, I’m able to have that relationship again. You have to be fair to yourself. Step outside of the situation and ask, ‘What’s the best thing for this person and how can I keep them safe?’ I know my mom is safe now.”

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/how-to-talk-about-moving-to-memory-care

Hip Fractures in Elderly Adults: Symptoms, Prevention, and TreatmentHip fractures in older adults are common. In fact, m...
08/22/2023

Hip Fractures in Elderly Adults: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Hip fractures in older adults are common. In fact, more than 300,000 adults 65 or older are hospitalized for hip fractures each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Women are at higher risk, making up 80% of broken hips in elderly adults overall, and other risk factors include inactivity, osteoporosis, and unsafe home environments. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of a broken hip, facts about complications, and how to help keep your loved one safe

Why broken hips are dangerous to seniors

Hip fracture complications in elderly adults can be life-threatening, even after surgery. Mortality risks are especially high for people who:

Have chronic health conditions
Are experiencing dementia or another type of cognitive impairment
Choose to treat the hip fracture without surgery
Can’t walk independently
Don’t have proper fall-protection installed in their home or community
Fractured hip complications can seriously affect mobility in seniors. When elderly adults aren’t mobile for an extended period of time, they can develop serious conditions such as:[01]

Blood clots in the legs or lungs
Pneumonia
Urinary tract infections
Bedsores
Balance issues, which can also increase risk of falls for the elderly
Risk factors for broken hips in elderly adults

The risk of falls increases with age, and 95% of hip fractures are the result of a fall, according to the CDC.[02]

Risk factors for hip fractures in elderly adults include:[03]

Osteoporosis. This condition causes the bones to weaken, making them more likely to break.
Gender. Women are more likely to have osteoporosis, which increases their risk of fractures. They also tend to live longer, and the likelihood of hip fractures increases with age.
Medications. Certain drugs can make seniors drowsy or dizzy, increasing the risk of falls. Other medications may weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.
Malnutrition. Seniors with poor nutrition as children have increased risk of fractures later in life. As you age, it’s important to keep a healthy diet that includes enough calcium and vitamin D.
Inactive lifestyle. Not getting enough physical exercise leads to weaker bones and muscles, increasing the risk of broken hips in elderly adults.
Other medical conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, an overactive thyroid, or intestinal problems can lead to weaker bones. Mental impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or complications from a stroke can increase the risk of falls and fractures.
Alcohol and to***co use. Drinking alcohol and smoking contribute to weaker bones. Plus, excess alcohol consumption can lead to dizziness, impaired coordination, and falls.
Unsafe home environment. Trip hazards in the home, such as throw rugs and electrical wires, along with unstable furniture and poor lighting, increase a senior’s risk for falls. It’s important to ensure the home is safe if your loved one chooses to age in place.
Previous hip fracture. Seniors who’ve fractured a hip before are more likely to suffer another fracture. How to prevent hip fractures in elderly adults

You can help your aging loved one prevent hip fractures by making sure their home is safe and free of trip hazards.

Ensure rooms are well lit. Lighting should not be too dim or too direct. Make sure light switches are accessible.
Tack down or remove rugs and carpets. Loose carpet edges can pose trip hazards.
Make bathrooms safe. Add a chair for bathing and skid-resistant mats in the shower. Install grab bars where needed. Ensure toilet seats are tall enough for easy transferring.
Check your chairs. Make sure chairs are stable and have armrests.
Safeguard against fall hazards in the kitchen. Place a rubber mat in front of the sink and use nonslip wax on the floor. Organize frequently used items so they can be easily reached on low shelves.
Consider stairway safety. Install handrails in stairways and make sure steps aren’t slippery. If your loved one plans to age at home over time, consider a stair lift to reduce hazards.
You may also talk to your loved one about:

Having regular eye checkups
Wearing sensible, flat shoes
Being mindful of each medication’s side effects
Talking with their doctor about supplements to increase bone density, including calcium and vitamin D
Staying as physically active as possible with exercises that help with balance and leg strength, such as walking regularly, gentle yoga, or tai chi

Symptoms of a broken hip in elderly adults

Sometimes a hip fracture isn’t immediately obvious, especially in older adults with already-reduced mobility or preexisting chronic pain. However, because hip fractures can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, it’s important to know which signs to look out for.

Symptoms of a fractured hip include:[04]

Swelling or bruising around the hip, buttocks, or thigh
Difficulty or inability to get up from a fall
Inability to put weight on the leg on the side of the affected hip
Leg shortening on the side of the affected hip
Significant pain in the hip or groin
Change in gait or walking patterns
An outward-turning leg on the injured side of the body
Some of these signs of a broken hip are more immediately evident than others. Even if your loved one is able to walk, be sure to check for bruising and swelling after any falls. If your relative is experiencing significant pain or difficulty putting weight on one leg, make an urgent appointment with their doctor or visit the emergency room.

Note that some of these symptoms could lead to a diagnosis other than a broken hip.

“Torn hamstrings and fractures of the pelvis are often detected upon examination that may have originally presented as or [were assumed to be] a hip fracture,” says Dr. Lawrence Samuels, a radiologist based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. How is a hip fracture diagnosed?

Often, a hip fracture can be diagnosed through a physical examination. However, your loved one’s doctor may request imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis or learn more about the fracture.

Here’s what you can expect for each type of test:

Physical examination. Your loved one’s doctor will check their body to make sure there aren’t other injuries. They’ll check the leg and thigh for abnormalities. “Often, the injured leg will appear shorter, or twisted in an abnormal position,” says Dr. Samuels. “The doctor may inspect sensation and circulation as well, if the patient indicates there’s pain or is unable to lift the affected leg or bear weight.”
X-ray. If the physical examination is inconclusive, your loved one’s doctor may order an X-ray, which is how most hip fractures are diagnosed. An X-ray can help determine the type of fracture a patient has.
MRI scan. “If clinical suspicion of a fracture remains strong despite negative results on an X-ray, a doctor may order more advanced imaging — especially in patients with osteoporosis, severe arthritis, or inability to achieve normal X-ray positioning,” says Dr. Samuels.
Hip surgery in elderly adults

If your aging parent has a hip fracture, they’ll most likely need surgery, a hospital stay, and rehabilitation to help heal a broken hip. The type of surgery your loved one will have depends on their overall health condition and age, the type of fracture, and its severity.

Here’s some more information about types of hip fractures:[05]

Femoral neck fracture. The femoral neck is right below the ball part of the ball-and-socket hip joint in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur). This type of fracture can reduce or stop the flow of blood to the broken part of the bone. Surgery is almost always needed to facilitate a broken hip recovery.
Intertrochanteric region fracture. An intertrochanteric region fracture is a subcategory of femoral neck fractures. The intertrochanteric region is just below the femoral neck, where the thigh bone juts out. “What we refer to as a hip fracture usually means femoral neck fracture — it’s the bone, not the actual hip joint,” says Dr. Samuels.
Depending on the type of fracture, methods of hip surgery in elderly adults include:[04]

Hip repair using screws. This type of hip surgery in elderly adults uses metal screws to hold together the broken bone. In some cases, a metal plate is placed on the femur with screws attached to it.
Partial hip replacement. In a partial hip replacement, the doctor replaces the head and neck of the femur with a metal device. A partial hip replacement might be recommended when the patient has other health conditions that could affect broken hip recovery, or if they’re experiencing cognitive impairment that could lead to another fall.
Total hip replacement. If your loved one needs to have a total hip replacement, the upper part of the femur and the socket in the pelvic bone will be replaced with artificial parts.
Can a hip fracture heal on its own without surgery?

A hip fracture usually can’t heal on its own. In rare instances, doctors may recommend hip fracture treatment without surgery. Your loved one might not need surgery if the bone is fractured but remains in place.

Also, surgery might not be recommended for seniors whose quality of life would be negatively affected by an operation. For example, patients who are too sick to endure it, who were unable to walk before the fracture occurred, or who are terminally ill may not benefit from hip surgery.[06] In these cases, treatment consists of pain management, physical therapy, and different techniques to avoid straining and putting weight on the affected hip.

Broken hip recovery and rehab: What to expect

Recovery after hip surgery is a lengthy process — it’ll take some time to return to everyday activities. Your loved one will likely stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Physical and occupational therapy for broken hip recovery may start while your parent is still at the hospital.

Physical therapists can develop a program for your loved one to help them strengthen muscles and improve balance and mobility. Occupational therapists focus on activities of daily living that allow your parent to live as independently as possible. They may also need home care after hip replacement surgery. For more intensive rehabilitation, seniors may need a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility or rehab center.

If your loved one’s hip fracture has left them unable to live on their own, or if they need additional assistance to prevent future falls, it may be time to consider assisted living or another type of senior living community. Reach out to one of A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors if you’re interested in one of these options. They can help guide you through the senior living search, answer questions about nearby communities, and schedule tours, all at no cost to you.

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/hip-fractures

06/27/2023
Touching Angels immediate employment opportunities in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania seeking Caregivers, CNA’s HHA, a...
02/20/2023

Touching Angels immediate employment opportunities in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania seeking Caregivers, CNA’s HHA, and, MA’s

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Apply by the following link: https://touchingangels.caresmartz360.com/prospectivecaregiver/caregiverapplicantform.aspx

Patient Advocates: How a Medical Advocate Can Help SeniorsPatient advocates can help explain complex medical jargon, ass...
02/20/2023

Patient Advocates: How a Medical Advocate Can Help Seniors

Patient advocates can help explain complex medical jargon, assist with billing, or even book appointments. Seniors living alone or juggling information about several conditions may find these advocates particularly useful. Learn more about patient advocates, their role within the health care system, and how they can help you navigate it. What is a patient advocate?

The patient advocate definition changes depending on what is needed by the patient. Patient advocates generally answer health questions, educate patients and family members, and offer support according to the medical needs of the patient, as outlined by the University of Rochester Medical Center — Health Encyclopedia.

A patient advocate is also known as the following:

Medical advocate
Health advocate
Ombudsman
Patient liaison
Care or case manager
Patient advocates don’t provide medical advice on their own, although sometimes physicians or nurses act as patient advocates and then provide medical advice. Generally, advocates help you to get the right advice from medical practitioners and understand it. Then, they help you manage the recommended care. Some patient advocates work as independent contractors or volunteers, while others are hospital or insurance employees.

How do medical advocates support senior health?

For aging seniors or busy caregivers, the reasons to consider working with a patient advocate are compelling.

Doctors’ visits

When you meet with a doctor, you generally have limited time with them before they need to see other patients. Medical terms and jargon can sometimes make it feel like they’re speaking a different language. A higher level of education and strong language skills help patients communicate with their doctor, according to the research journal Patient Education and Counseling. But, not all patients have this background, and this is where medical advocates can help.

Patient and medical advocates not only help patients understand difficult language, but they can help patients walk into the appointment with a plan. Because patient advocates can attend doctor appointments with you, they can take notes and help you ask the right questions while you’re there. Their knowledge of the health care system means they know important things to ask and say that an average patient might not.

Patient advocate Catherine Callahan described helping one of her clients get ready for an upcoming doctor’s visit, “I helped him prepare by working together on putting down his symptoms and the four main questions that he wanted to be answered. I printed out copies for him, the doctor, and me.”

When the patient got to the appointment, they knew exactly what to say. Callahan helped slow the appointment down and made sure the doctor took the time to provide the answers needed. Ultimately, the patient had a better understanding of his condition with the help of the advocate.

Medical bills

According to recent data, up to 80% of all U.S. medical bills include errors. Because the U.S. billing system can be complicated, there’s a lot of room for mistakes. And, many consumers don’t know how to properly read a medical bill or spot a problem. They just know the numbers are often shockingly confusing and large.

Patient advocates are better equipped to understand the different charges in a medical bill. By negotiating with providers, asking the right questions, and spotting billing errors, patient advocates can help avoid unnecessary overpayment. They’ll also help you stay on top of any incoming bills if you’re in the hospital or ill.

Important medical information

Health care providers are busy and can have a hard time providing all the necessary information during a short appointment. This can make it harder for you to truly understand your care needs and condition. As a result, patients and loved ones may feel like they don’t know what’s going on or how best to proceed.

When Sheri Manska’s dad was dealing with prostate cancer, she was at a loss when it came to understanding important medical prognosis information.

“There was a gap in understanding the most serious aspects of his health,” Manska said. “The gap was not so much in knowing what was happening medically, but in knowing how it was supposed to happen.”

Manska didn’t work with a patient advocate at the time but now wishes she had.

“It seemed the medical personnel were too busy to keep us informed or may not be doing tests or treatment that would get us more information so we could know what to do,” she explained. “A patient advocate would have helped immensely.”

Many patient advocates conduct research into medical conditions and treatments to supplement the information your doctors provide. This way, you have a better idea of the details behind the prognosis and treatment recommendations your doctor brings up.

Reduce caregiver stress

Caregiving can take a toll on a caregiver’s health. Offloading some of the most confusing and frustrating parts of dealing with doctors will inevitably reduce a caregiver’s stress levels. Caregivers who typically attend parents’ doctor visits to help with their care should use a patient advocate to lighten their load.

How can I get in contact with a patient advocate?

Insurance. Start by asking your health insurance company if they cover the cost of a patient advocate. If they do, ask how you can find one locally that’s covered by the policy.
Hospital patient advocates. Hospitals sometimes have in-house patient advocates. Some work as volunteers, though some may be on the hospital payroll. Nonetheless, they should still have the patient’s best interests in mind.
Medicare beneficiary ombudsman (MBO). These advocates are available to Medicare beneficiaries and focus on explaining Medicare benefits and rights. They can help resolve any Medicare-related concerns.
Long-term care ombudsman. Nursing homes and senior living communities sometimes have an advocate for residents. Similar to hospital-staffed patient advocates, these ombudsmen are paid by the community they work in.
Independent contractors. You can also hire an independent patient advocate. Organizations like the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy and ADVO Connection Directory can help you find patient advocates in your area.
Volunteers. Some non-profit organizations provide patient advocates to those with certain medical conditions. Check to see if your local area hospital or senior center offers guidance on where to find volunteer patient advocates. Or, do an online search for patient advocate volunteers in your area.
If you’re unsure whether you or your loved one needs a patient advocate, consider the following health and lifestyle questions: Has there been a recent diagnosis of cancer or a chronic disease?
Is your loved one recovering from a stroke and unable to advocate for themselves?
Is there a cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?
Is assistance needed to manage medications or determine if any medications are unnecessary?
Would you or your loved one benefit from having a second set of eyes and ears at medical appointments?
After considering your options, remember that the Senior Living Advisors at A Place for Mom are always available to answer any questions, free of charge. They’re a great resource and can guide you towards finding the perfect level of care for you or a loved one.

https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/patient-advocates

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