Advocacy
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
The word advocacy has been in the news a lot lately. You have the #MeToo movement, the Parkland students fighting for tighter gun controls and people fighting for legislation that impacts their lives.
Some people find that advocacy helps when they feel they are not being heard, or are not getting what they need. They would like some support. Anyone may need advocacy at some time in his or her life, but it becomes especially relevant where:
- People are being treated unfairly as a result of other people’s prejudices, or their own vulnerability, or both.
- People feel they have no family, friends or anyone in the wider community to whom they can turn for support.
- People may have professional paid workers involved in their lives who are not providing services which take into account their needs..
Think back to one experience where you either had witnessed or participated in where a social justice issue was effectively addressed by working on influencing public policy. How effective were your efforts?
There are two types of advocacy, self-advocacy and cause advocacy. Self-advocacy is speaking for, representing the interests of, or defending the rights of oneself. Cause or Public advocacy is speaking for, representing the interests of, or defending the rights of a particular group of people, or the general public. This includes legislative advocacy or advocating for a change in a policy or program.
Being a good advocate also includes letting your elected officials know of your concerns. Write and visit with your elected officials. Greet them when they come to Century Village. If you have an issue of concern prepare a statement describing the issue, how it impacts on your life, and what you would like your elected official to do about it. When the Florida legislature meets, they will be considering many laws that impact your life as a condo owner, renter, or senior. Your elected officials need to know how what they do in Tallahassee or Washington impacts your life.
As we enter the campaign season, here is a great opportunity to get involved and influence policies that will affect your future. Issues like Social Security, health care and Medicare are important federal issues that the U.S. Senate candidates will be addressing. State issues include Medicaid, health care, senior services and condominium legislation.
Here are a few pointers to help you be an effective self-advocate and better navigate the health care and social service systems.
You must be able to make your needs known and stand up for your rights as a patient in the hospital, a doctor’s office, or trying to procure services,
Before you go to the doctor’s office or call an agency, have a list of questions to ask and make sure you understand the answers you are given. Keep a list on the refrigerator of your medications and special needs in case of an emergency or pending hospitalization.
When speaking to a doctor you want to be sure you understand your diagnosis and what impact it will have on your life and family. You want to be aware of what medications he/she is prescribing and what effect they will have, how they interact with your other medications, vitamins, and supplements, and any of its side effects. Also, ask about any community resources that may relate to your diagnosis. An example would be someone who is diagnosed with macular degeneration may need information on the Lighthouse for the Blind or low vision aids.
If you end up in the emergency room you should be able to clearly describe your situation at home. Are you living alone? Is there anyone at home who is capable of assisting you when you are discharged from the hospital? What medical equipment do you have at home, such as grab bars, a hospital bed, a walker, or a shower chair?
When calling an agency, be prepared with a list of questions. You should include information on what you or the person you are calling for needs and who, if anyone is available to meet those needs.
Here are ten steps to help you become an effective self-advocate:
1. Believe in yourself.
2. Realize you have rights.
3. Discuss your concerns with your service provider.
4. Get the facts in writing.
5. Use the chain of command to solve a problem-ask to speak to a supervisor if an issue isn’t resolved to your satisfaction.
6. Know your appeal rights if services are denied.
7. Be assertive and persistent, not aggressive.
8. Outline your concerns and be a good listener.
9. Ask for help from other agencies.
10. Follow-up. Be sure you’re getting the service that meets your
needs…and say thank you.
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