Jane Brody's Personal Health column today discusses a model nursing home in Florida. I want to draw your attention to the second half of the article, which highlights the book, Taking Charge: Good Medical Care for the Elderly and How to Get It.
Some of the book's major messages about caregivers (family and friends who help care for a patient) fit perfectly with Healthy Survivorship:
• Family caregivers don't need medical training to be effective members of the caregiving team.
• Family caregivers are able to detect subtle changes in the status of their loved ones and should advocate for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
• Family caregivers are in a good position to work with medical caregivers to prevent complications.
• Family caregivers can protect their loved ones and themselves by utilizing clearly written, legal documents that will make their decisions about end-of-life care enforceable.
Says Hannah, "I want [readers] to know that you don't need a medical degree to be effective. The caregiver spends more time with their loved one than anyone."
I learned how to be a stellar advocate for myself as a cancer patient and it has so come in handy as I advocate for a very close family member with Alzheimer's. Every one of those points is completely true and I get what I want (most of the time) because of them.
Great post Wendy.
Best,
Kairol
http://everythingchangesbook.com/
Posted by: Kairol Rosenthal | October 07, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!
Posted by: nursing dissertation | October 17, 2009 at 02:37 AM
Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!
Posted by: Nursing Dissertation | October 17, 2009 at 02:52 AM
Nursing Homes That Belie the Bad Image <-- that's what i was looking for
Posted by: Nursing Dissertation Topics | October 28, 2011 at 01:12 AM