Are You a Good Self Advocate?
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
When you are a patient in the hospital or in a doctor’s office, or trying to get services, you must be able to make your needs known and stand up for your rights. Here are a few pointers to help you better navigate the health care and social service systems.
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, what they are expected to do, how they interact with 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 describes your situation at home or emergency room. Are you living alone? Is there anyone at home who can help care for 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.
Being a good advocate also include letting your elected officials know 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. The Florida Legislature meets in March and April and 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 you.
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 wasn’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
