Advocating For Your Loved One

When is it a good time to speak up for your loved one? We should try to leave them speak for themselves as much as possible. It makes them feel in control and excerises their mind.

Dad's voice matters

When my dad would speak with others, it teaches people how to deal with dementia and to be patient. One place to help is in the doctor's office. We would let my dad speak and help when needed. Sometimes he would get stuck on stories and we would try to bring him back to the point. If things would come up that would agitate him, I would pull the doctor aside after the appointment.

Advocating as a team

As far as going into appointments with my dad, my mom, my sister and myself were his advocates. My mom needed extra ears to catch everything that was discussed. We were listed on his healthcare records so we could speak and review his records on his behalf. We were welcomed by his primary, oncologist, heart doctor and others. At least one of us was always with him except for some procedures and medical personnel would get us back together asap. During COVID sometimes only two of us plus my dad were allowed in the exam room. I would stay in the lobby with my phone and my mom and sister would go with my dad. My sister would call me and I would listen in on the appointment.

I hope this helps and we always have to think outside of the box. If medical personnel are not willing to meet your needs, maybe you should look for a different doctor.

This is our story.