With many hospitals understaffed and doctors and nurses overworked, it’s often crucial for patients to advocate for themselves. That means getting their questions answered even when no one seems to have the time, and speaking up when something seems wrong.
The youngest and oldest patients, however, often can’t speak up or are afraid to. The same is true for patients of any age who are seriously ill or injured. That’s why loved ones need to do it for them. If you have a vulnerable loved one in the hospital, how do you help ensure they aren’t the victim of medical negligence or errors without interfering with their care?
Advocating for children
Few things cause more anxiety for parents than having a child hospitalized – even if it’s for a relatively minor procedure. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you have the information you need to feel comfortable. That means finding out:
- Who is on their medical team (which will involve multiple shift changes), and who’s in charge of their care
- The treatment plan while they’re in the hospital and after their discharge
- What medications they’ll be given (which should be given only after you’ve told their team what medications they’re on and what allergies they have)
- What symptoms to watch for that could be signs of trouble
You should also find out if you can stay with your child past visiting hours. Many hospitals let parents spend the night. It’s best when parents and possibly other family members can take “shifts” so a child is never without a familiar face nearby.
Advocating for senior relatives
Everything above applies for seniors – particularly those who have cognitive issues or whose medical condition may require them to be on medications that impair their cognition. With older patients, it’s also crucial to make sure safeguards are in place to prevent falls.
Even if your loved one doesn’t have a history of falls, the combination of medication, unfamiliar surroundings and ill-fitting or no footwear can lead to serious falls. Lowered beds with sturdy side rails can make a big difference. Make sure your loved one knows how to ring for assistance if they need to get up when no one’s there.
Even the most attentive and involved family members can’t always prevent negligence and egregious errors. That’s when advocacy may involve holding the appropriate medical professionals liable. Another way to advocate for a loved one is to help ensure that the appropriate party(ies) are held liable. Getting sound legal guidance is a good first step.
