How to Advocate for Your Loved One as a Caregiver
You’re accustomed to the day-to-day routine of being a caregiver. But how can you advocate for your loved one’s health-related needs?
As your loved one’s health advocate, you play a key role in his or her health. You spend time and energy making your loved one’s health care a priority in your life. But sometimes, it’s difficult to know how to advocate for the best care.
At Senior LIFE, we understand that. That’s why we strive to provide care and services that support not just the member, but also the caregiver.
Part of that support is providing you with the resources you need to advocate for your loved one. Read on for some information about that topic.
The Caregiver’s Guide to Advocacy
As your loved one’s primary health advocate, you’re on the front lines of his or her health care. This role comes with responsibilities, and Senior LIFE is here to help ensure that you’re supported.
We know you’ll do anything to help your loved one, but sometimes we all need a little extra help.
If your loved one is covered by Community HealthChoices and is enrolled in a managed care organization, you may feel like you aren’t receiving the support and guidance you need as a caregiver.
That’s one way that Senior LIFE stands alone—we provide comprehensive health care and support to help your loved one remain independent and in the comfort of his or her home. And we support both the member and his or her family, including the caregiver.
Senior LIFE is located right in your community—not based in a large city somewhere else in the state. All services are received in your home or at the Senior LIFE Health and Wellness Center located in your neighborhood.
You can rest easy knowing your loved one is cared for when spending his or her days at the LIFE Center.
And Senior LIFE is an alternative option under Community HealthChoices for seniors age 55 and older—one you can choose at any time.
At Senior LIFE, you can be as involved in the healthcare process as you want to be, and we encourage you to support your loved one at all stages of the healthcare process.
Caregiver advocacy means helping us help your loved one, and below are a few tips on how to ensure your loved one is getting the right care.
Let Us Know Your Thoughts
We want you to be and feel heard, so we encourage our team to truly listen to your concerns. You are invited to join your loved one at the Senior LIFE Health and Wellness Center and are given an integral role in your loved one’s care. Your perspective is unique, and one that we value highly.
You’re the health advocate for your loved one and likely know the ins and outs of his or her medical history and current situation. Caregivers may attend their loved ones’ medical appointments, therapy appointments, and other associated medical visits.
Each member is assigned his or her own social worker and nurse who are just a phone call away.
We value your input and want to hear what you have to say.
Join Caregiver Advocacy Groups
There are many quality caregiver advocacy groups located in Pennsylvania, and Senior LIFE’s team of professional social workers can help you find the one that is the best fit for you!
These groups are designed to provide the caregivers with support and information, often inviting doctors, nurses, nutrition specialists, and others to speak.
Our social workers can also point you and your loved one toward other resources within Senior LIFE and the community that may be helpful.
Encourage Others to Visit
As a caregiver, it can often feel like all the decisions or tasks of caring for your loved one fall solely on your shoulders.
Senior LIFE can help with some of these issues—providing your loved one with comprehensive medical care, as well as transportation to and from the Senior LIFE Center.
But you can also seek assistance with caregiving and being a health advocate for your loved one from other members of your family and friends.
As a caregiver, advocating for your loved one can be a difficult task. Without the proper support system, it can often be an uphill battle.
Working with Senior LIFE can give you the peace of mind of knowing that not only will your loved one receive the best possible care, but you’re at the forefront of his or her care as well.
We’re committed to supporting you as a healthcare advocate and will work to ensure your family and loved ones are receiving optimal care and can remain in their homes and in their community.
Senior LIFE is here to provide health care and personal support services designed to keep your loved one at home longer—and alleviate the stress on you as a caregiver. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Categories: For the Caregiver
