Who makes a good health advocate?
Someone who is calm, pays attention to details, and can ask questions and state information clearly. If possible, choose someone who knows you well. Be clear about what kind of help you need and what worries you. It’s helpful to give your advocate details of your medical history. For example, you may want to discuss the tests you’ve had, list medicines you take, and provide contact information for other family members and your durable power of attorney. If your advocate doesn’t know you well, make sure to let him or her know if your hearing or vision is limited. He or she can alert your medical team to speak clearly and to read instructions aloud if they are not available in large type. If you can’t locate an advocate before an important medical or hospital visit, you can find a professional, often a nurse or doctor, to serve this role. Some professional advocates specialize in researching the best available treatments and can assist you at home or in the hospital. Check to see if your
