Advocating For A Relative In the Hospital

I don't know why but every winter season in Florida numerous seniors slip and fall, fracturing femurs and hips, often needing admission for a host of antibiotic resistant infections.  Family members fly in to see their loved ones and wind up suffering in the process because many hospitals are under pressure to keep nursing staffs lean and communication suffers.  A personal advocate such as a geriatric care manager can be a valuable resource.  It may even be a relative or friend - as long as it is someone who can lobby on the adult child's behalf.  Families are allies and partners in the well being of a parent and should not be simply be seen as visitors when parents are hospitalized.  They should not be in the waiting room, wondering what's going on. Hospital staff worry that family input will take up valuable time but in the long run, it will save time since families are a valuable source of information.  

Recently, my client's daughter felt helpless while her 82 year old mother was recovering from a twisted bowel.  Her condition worsened and her doctor gave orders to have her moved to ICU. Because the charge nurse refused to follow orders, the transfer was delayed and she eventually died after surgery and several complications from infections which developed.  Luckily, I had ordered a night shift caregiver for my client on admission.  This nursing assistant was present when the charge nurse cancelled the doctor's order, calling me at 2:00 am.  I was able to reach the doctor ensuring the necessary transfer orders were followed so life saving techniques could be employed.  We were fortunate to have had a knowledgeable "team player" who didn't think twice about contacting us.  However, sometimes family members don't see the value of employing private caregivers when parents are in the hospital.  Because family members cannot be present daily 24 hours a day, advocacy in any form is the best protection.  At the very least it is another set of eyes while family members get their rest.  

For family members who choose to go it alone however, please remember to employ the following techniques:  

Ask everyone who enters your parent's room if they've washed their hands; ask nurses to read out loud the drug orders; make sure they check your loved one's ID braclet; always ask what new medications are being given for; be alert for pressure wounds; make sure parents are moved often and lifted when transferring; bring games to help patients with brain stimulation; keep a journal for observations; be patient and appreciative with staff as they may be administering to more sickly patients; don't hesitate to speak up if you have concerns, and if all of the lingo and the sight of blood makes you ill, hire an advocate such as a professional geriatric care manager who has sufficient experience interacting with medical personnel and can advocate for you and on your parent's behalf.    A GCM can partner with you to ensure the right procedures are being maintained and is somone who understands the medical process and today's limitations in healthcare.  Olga Brunner is a certified professional geriatric care manager and President of A Good Daughter Elder Care Management.  Email:  olga@agooddaughter.com