ADVOCATE: Yes, you need one

After a recent surgery and short stay at a new skilled nursing rehabilitation facility, I realized how unprepared for recovery I really was. What I didn’t know scared me and what I learned was eye opening. In hindsight, I should have had an advocate. An advocate can be a spouse, relative or close friend.

A patient going from the hospital to a care facility may be medicated and not very clear headed. An advocate can assist you with the transition and settling into your room, read the “Patient Bill of Rights” to you BEFORE signature, and make sure that the equipment you need is brought in, set up properly and within reach. Your advocate doesn’t have to be with you 24/7, but continuous contact is important. If things aren’t running smoothly, your advocate can assist by addressing issues like: getting medications on time, cold or missed meals, equipment placement and malfunctions, ensure help is provided for showering, getting fresh water daily, and clean linens and proper blanket placement.

As you prepare to leave the facility, an advocate can assist you with checking to see if you have all of your personal belongings, packing for your return home, ensuring you receive the doctor-prescribed medications or prescriptions that you will be discharged with, ensuring personal medications are returned and help facilitate the transition home.

New isn’t always better. Check the facility’s certifications and deficiency reports on state websites (like Medicare.gov and HealthandWelfare.Idaho.gov) and definitely have an advocate. I sure wish I had done this!

KATE OLAUGHLIN

Coeur d’Alene