Call us at: 1-800-247-7421
Help for a Loved One
When someone you love is ill, you may find yourself trying to help in an unfamiliar and challenging environment. Our counselors are here to help you advocate for your family member or friend. The following are some suggestions to get you started:
1. Keep a journal of your loved one's experience, who you have spoken to about your concerns, what they said and what you did. Include dates and times.
2. If your loved one is in the hospital and you are not getting answers that you need, ask to speak to the nursing supervisor, the patient representative or the risk manager of the hospital. You may contact the hospital administration office and ask for help. If you are facing a situation where physicians and/or family do not agree about a health care decision, ask to speak to someone from the hospital ethics committee. An individual from the ethics committee will consult with family members and health care providers and assist in making decisions for patients who cannot speak for themselves.
3. If you have concerns about the care your loved one is receiving in a long term care facility, ask to speak to the director of nursing and set up a care planning meeting. If you do not seem to be making headway, contact the facility's long term care ombudsman. The facility office should give you that name and number or you can contact the state long term care ombudsman program office online to find the individual serving that facility.
4. Ask for a copy of your loved one's medical records. You will be asked to sign a form to obtain the records and pay for copying fees. Request the entire medical record from the hospital or facility and the treating physicians.
> Call our counselors at 800.247.7421
> For our internet resources and links click here
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