Page 22 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2021 - 28-04
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 Page 22
Senior Times - April 2021
Friendship Center Locations:
Hastings COA Building:
(269) 948-4856 Mon-Fri 10 am-2pm
Main St. Banquets:
Woodland Eagles Club:
(517) 213-9212 Mon-Fri 10:30am-1pm
(269) 367-4041
Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30am-1pm
Stacey Lott
Attorney at Law
Health Care Advocate
Estate Planning & Elder Law
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
All adults need a health advocate to help them look out for their best interests and to navigate the health care system. It’s the advocate’s role to ensure wishes are met whether it’s maintaining independence, receiving care in the comfort and familiarity of home, or treatment plan options.
The health care advocate becomes the voice of loved ones at
a time when they feel most vulner- able. Instead of hoping loved ones are receiving the compassionate and essential care they deserve, advo- cating for them empowers you to ensure their wishes are met.
When you are asked to be a health advocate you also need to know that
it comes with responsibilities. Most important is that you know what your loved ones wishes are as it relates to health care and that you are able to make the choices they would want
if they are unable to make them. If you cannot make the tough decisions, someone else might be a better choice.
As a health advocate it is important to ask about all the issues a loved one is experiencing before you head to a scheduled doctor visit so care solu- tions are most effective. These con- versations can sometimes be difficult, even embarrassing, but you must ask the necessary questions such as: What symptoms are they experiencing? How is it different from before? Are they taking all their medications in the pre- scribed way? If not, why? And so on.
Part of your role may be education, which includes helping your loved one to understand what’s happening but also the health care provider. While
at an appointment 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 loved one’s wishes can help sup- port them in their decisions, help them make decisions, or to intercede when health providers are not doing what was decided on. You may even want
to research medical conditions and potential treatment options, which may include a second opinion. Finally, you may also need to help manage health insurance and medical bills.
Legal documentation can make all the difference when advocating for a loved one. An elder law attorney can help you complete the patient advocate designation paperwork, sometimes called a durable power of attorney for
269.963.8222
130 East Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, MI 49015
www.staceylottlaw.com
BARRY COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING
Delton Faith United Methodist Church
(269) 579-3918 11:00am-1pm
health care as well as advance direc- tives documentation. Individual pro- viders and government programs may require you to complete additional paperwork; your legal documents can insure that provider-specific paper- work can more easily be completed. Always carry legal documents with you to appointments, especially to a new provider. Make sure all providers have your contact information.
Understandably, even as a strong advocate, the process can be intimidat- ing. Sometimes you must be assertive to keep yourself in the decision-mak- ing loop. If your loved one is hospi- talized, daily contact is important. In fact, there is nothing like being there in person, when allowed, to make sure you are in the loop of care choices. Until then, call, or scheduled regular video chats; it’s the next best thing.
If you are experiencing challenges with care you can reach out to other staff on site such as a social worker or discharge planner for care support. In an adult care facility the Ombudsman can be your greatest support. You
can turn to Medicare and submit a variety of complaints and request follow up. You can reach out to other family or friends for personal support. Furthermore, you can reach out to their elder law attorney for legal sup- port.
Lastly, be aware that no matter what you do the outcome for your loved one may not be what you hoped. If that happens, be willing to accept that it is not a personal defeat. Your loved knows that you will do what can until you can’t.
Publisher’s Note: To the aging adult I would suggest that you choose an advocate that knows you, is dis- creet but assertive, that 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.
• Home Delivered Meals. For homebound seniors that are unable to pre- pare meals, can receive delicious meals at home. Special diets available. • Senior Center Activities including line dancing, card making, beading,
cards, bingo, and many others.
• Senior Meal Choice Dining. Restaurant-based senior dining program. • Chore Service provides minor home repair for seniors.
There are many more activities and opportunities to volunteer your time and talents! Just Call Barry County Commission on Aging for more information.
320 West Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, MI 49058 Phone: (269) 948-4856 | Fax: (269) 948-3336 E-Mail: bccoa@barrycounty.org | www.barrycounty.org
SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN TM
SENIOR TIMES INFORMATION:
Publisher & Executive Editor: Sherii Sherban; Advertising Consultants: Pat Fosdick, Keith Sherban; Marketing / Administrative Asst: Christyn McCleary; Staff Photographer / Artist: Keith Sherban; Artist: Frederick DeRuiter; Publisher Emeritus: Richard DeRuiter
Senior Times of South Central Michigan is published twelve times per year by W.W. Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc. Senior Times is distributed free through our advertisers, area professional offices, and key points of interest throughout South Central Michigan. To be added to the distribution list contact Keith Sherban at extension 304.
Opinions expressed by writers in Senior Times are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of Senior Times or W.W. Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
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