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395 S. Shore Dr. Ste. 205Battle Creek, MI 49014(269) 963-3900480 W. Lovell St.Kalamazoo, MI 49007(269) 216-45702127 Spring Arbor Rd.Jackson, MI 49203(517) 787-7600www.mielderlaw.com9 Total Michigan Locations to Serve You!%u2022 Probate%u2022 Elder Law%u2022 Estate Planning%u2022 Wills & Trust Contests%u2022 Medicaid Planning%u2022 Special Needs%u2022 Estate & Trust Administration%u2022 Guardianship & Conservatorship%u2022 Financial Exploitation (of Vulnerable Adults)Prepare Your Health Advocate to Support Youyou have someone that can help you when health concerns arise? A health or patient advocate can help support you and your care, navigate the health care system; and become your voice when you feel most vulnerable. It%u2019s the advocate%u2019s role to ensure wishes are met whether it%u2019s maintaining independence, receiving care in the comfort and familiarity of home, treatment plan options, or even choosing to remove life support options. As a solo ager it can be challenging but having your documents in place will help others know what your wishes are and create peace of mind. Consider that your advocate does not have be a relative, which really opens up your options.Choose an advocate that knows you, is discreet but assertive, and is prepared to learn what is necessary so they can act on your behalf. They must be willing to effectively communicate between care providers and receivers; question care and conditions requiring care; and facilitate choices when necessary. If they cannot make the tough decisions, someone else might be a better choice. You must share your wishes and documents to empower your patient advocate to act on your behalf. You will likely have to sign documentation with your health care provider to allow them access to your health records as well. Be sure your advocate knows about all the issues you are experiencing before you go to a scheduled doctor visit. These conversations can sometimes be difficult, even embarrassing, but you must tell them about body changes, new symptoms, medications, and even challenges with activities of daily living. While at an appointment, invite them to take clear notes, intercede in the conversation when needed, and ask questions that need to be asked. Having an extra set of trusted eyes and ears that understands your wishes can help make or support decisions, or to intercede when health providers are not doing what was decided on. The advocate should always carry legal documents with them to appointments, especially to a new provider. Make sure all providers have your contact information.Sometimes the advocate must be assertive to be a part of the decision-making loop. If you are hospitalized, daily contact by the advocate is important to ensure they (for you) are in the loop of care choices. If your advocate is experiencing challenges with your care they should feel empowered to reach out to other staff on site such as a social worker or discharge planner or your area Ombudsman. The advocate can turn to Medicare to submit a variety of requests or complaints. Family or friends can provide personal support. Be sure to give the original patient advocate designation or durable power of attorney for medical care to your advocate (they may need it when supporting the care choices you made). Give a copy to your doctor (they will make the document part of your medical record) and keep a copy yourself. Let others know who you have chosen as your patient advocate. If you decide not to document your choices, decisions will still need to be made for you should you become unable to make them. Sometimes, a doctor or hospital will work with the family. If there is none, a guardianship proceeding may have to be initiated in probate court. DoSENIOR HOUSING DIRECTORY | 202635