How to Find a Qualified Patient Advocate to Navigate the Maze of Elder Care
How do you find an experienced and qualified Patient Advocate? Well, look no further. You found me!
Relax, I’m kidding! It’s a valid question you may have been asking for some time while helping your elder loved one. Finding an experienced Patient Advocate makes all the difference for individuals and care-partner teams aiming to build A LIFE WORTH LIVING. You can begin your search here: Independent Patient Advocates | Get Help Now – GNA.
Contrary to popular belief, a Patient Advocate is not someone who makes care decisions FOR you. Rather, these valuable professionals make decisions WITH you. As I always say, a Patient Advocate is a guide and protector of autonomy.
As you dive into your search, I’ll tell you what I bring to the table for the great people of the Clearwater, FL area. This blog also explains what to look for in a qualified Patient Advocate.
A Life Worth Living: Finding an Experienced Patient Advocate to Guide Elder Care
When caring for an elder loved one, the path sometimes feels like a maze – with confusing twists, turns and unexpected barriers toward A LIFE WORTH LIVING. From deciphering medical jargon to managing complex health systems, the challenges can be overwhelming.
As a Board-certified Patient Advocate in the state of Florida, that’s where I come in! To be a guiding light through the intricacies of healthcare, ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care throughout the aging process.
Not only do professionals like me tackle most (or all) parts of a well-rounded life-care plan for quality of life, many of us also have distinct specialties. My specialties for Clearwater, FL area clients involve Medicaid & VA eligibility planning, working alongside elder law attorneys to prepare for the costs of care while also protecting assets for future generations.
(I also have expertise in all facets of dementia care from nearly 30 years as a life-care planner – and from personal experience as the primary care partner to my life partner, Brian, who lives with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.)
In general, many qualified Patient Advocates provide or facilitate access to:
- Care-partner team building
- Medical coordination
- Hospice care
- Respite or adult day care
- Financial & estate planning
- Living transition assistance
- End-of-life counseling
- & Much more
Whether you’re just beginning your caregiving journey or facing new and daunting medical decisions, having a knowledgeable and compassionate advocate offers clarity, support and peace of mind.
How a Qualified Patient Advocate Can Help: A Detailed Approach
Let’s put the right Patient Advocate by your side with these practical tips to fit your family’s unique needs.
1. Clarifying Medical Information
Medical jargon can be confusing and intimidating, especially as more medical professionals become involved in your loved one’s care. Many senior citizens are prescribed 15 or more prescription drugs a year. With that comes a risk of side effects and inadvertent drug overloads, especially when prescriptions are hard to follow.
An experienced Patient Advocate can untangle confusing medical terms, treatment plans and procedures in a way that you can understand. This ensures you are fully informed to make the best decisions with your loved one.
2. Coordinating Care
Similarly, managing multiple healthcare providers, appointments and treatments can be daunting. Are you truly prepared for a morning slated with doctor visits? Do you have your loved one’s prescriptions and documentation in order?
When you find a qualified Patient Advocate that best suits your needs, they can help to coordinate care among different doctors and specialists. This ensures everyone is on the same page and that nothing falls through the cracks.
3. Advocating for Your Loved One’s Rights
Every patient has rights. Whether they’re strictly adhered to by medical professionals is another matter.
Your elder loved one’s wishes and needs (as well as spiritual and legal requirements) matter greatly. A qualified Patient Advocate MUST speak up on their behalf, ensuring the most appropriate care and that individual preferences and values are respected.
4. Assisting with Insurance & Billing
Navigating insurance claims and medical bills can be a headache. Patient Advocates help you understand your insurance coverage, file claims and resolve billing issues, saving you time and reducing financial stress.
5. Providing Emotional Support
The emotional toll of caregiving is immense. You and I both know this well. Even the most compassionate and steadfast care partners may struggle emotionally.
Patient Advocates offer a caring ear and emotional support. We help you address emotional ups and downs of caregiving with healthy strategies like counseling, prioritizing self-care and taking time for self-reflection. Our involvement provides reassurance and stability.
What to Look for When Finding a Qualified Patient Advocate
Once you’ve identified some potential candidates to help your loved one and the care-partner team, let’s check off some boxes toward a decision:
1. Check Credentials
Look for a qualified Patient Advocate with relevant certifications and training. Organizations like the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants (NAHAC) and the Patient Advocate Certification Board (PACB) offer certification programs that ensure Patient Advocates meet high standards of competence and ethics.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m a Board-certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) in the state of Florida. My credentials also include being a Certified Montessori Professional (CMP) and a Dementia Care Professional (DCP).
2. Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to your elder loved one’s primary healthcare provider, support groups and other caregivers for recommendations. Personal referrals can be invaluable in finding a trusted advocate.
3. Interview Potential Advocates
Don’t hesitate to interview prospective Patient Advocates to gauge their experience and expertise. Patient Advocacy isn’t a one-size-fits-all calling. You need someone to handle specific elements of elder care – from medical knowledge to organizational skills – for your loved one and the care-partner team.
Ask about their background, approach to advocacy, and how they’ve helped other families in similar situations.
4. Evaluate Communication Skills
Communication is crucial. Plain and simple, a Patient Advocate can’t do their job if they can’t nurture effective communication among all members of the care-partner team – both professional and personal.
Choose a Patient Advocate who listens carefully, communicates clearly and promptly, and is responsive to your needs and concerns.
5. Consider Compatibility
The relationship with your Patient Advocate should be built on trust and mutual respect. Ask probing questions to ensure their values and approaches align with your family’s needs and preferences.
Making the Right Choice: Adding a Patient Advocate into Your Caregiving Team is a Game-Changer
Finding a qualified Patient Advocate provides the expertise, support and peace of mind that allow you to focus on what matters most: caring for your elder loved one. With the right advocate by your side, care partners like you can face the unknown with greater confidence and clarity, knowing that you have a knowledgeable partner to guide you through the healthcare journey.
Embrace the power of advocacy, and let it be a beacon of light in the unpredictable world of caregiving. If you’re in the Clearwater, FL area seeking Patient Advocacy services, I’m always here to chat and facilitate important community resources.
