Be an Advocate

Each of us is bound to spend some time in a hospice; whether for a happy event such as a birth, or for elective surgery or an emergency. In these surroundings, it’s easy to feel disoriented, bewildered and powerless.

With thousands of people cared for in hospitals and nursing homes every year, accidents can happen. Some incidents can be minor, but others can be serious; even life-threatening.

As a longtime hospice provider, I have often functioned as a patient advocate. You, too, can advocate for yourself or your loved one in a hospital or nursing home. You have the power and the tools to make and follow up on complaints.

Speak Up

If you have a concern, address it immediately at the point of care. Talk with the bedside nurse. If the issue is not resolved, work your way up the chain of command – even to the chief administrator. If the problem persists, contact the member services office at the facility.

It is far better to resolve the grievance while the patient is still in the hospital. However, you do have options afterward. You might begin by contacting the California Department of Public Health, which regulates all hospitals and long-term care facilities, at 323.869.5000.

Hospitals are staffed by highly competent and caring professionals intent on providing optimum healthcare in a compassionate environment. But if you encounter something wrong, speak up. If a problem is affecting your loved one, it may also be happening to others.

Be an advocate, and be well.