Why is it important that people in caregiving situations be effective advocates?
• When a parent becomes ill, the adult child must realize that that parent’s world has been turned upside-down. It’s a time of significant stress for the parent. • In many cases, the parent is trying to cope with an ailment that, by its very nature, makes coping more difficult (loss of vision or hearing; incontinence). • The “normal” way of dealing with health care professionals is not an option; somebody has to be behind the elderly person, running things and making sure they are getting the help that’s required. What does a caregiver/advocate need to know from health care professionals when a senior is diagnosed or falls ill? • Find out as much as you can about the disease. Ask what things can be investigated, what tests should be done. If you’re dealing with a frail elderly person, ask, “If my mother were 50, would you still stop treatment there?” If the answer is no, then push them to proceed further (if it’s a reasonable thing to do). • Ask to be informed of all the resources you
