Your Voice Matters

Sometimes when faced with a complicated health diagnosis, we find ourselves at a loss on how to seek information and answers. This is no different when you are a caregiver for someone with a chronic illness.

Regardless of this truth, it remains important that you take an active role in your loved one’s care and work as an advocate for their benefit. You have a voice. You can ask questions and seek answers about their health condition and care.

An important part of advocacy is being an educated consumer. This means that you take the time to listen, learn and possibly do your own research into the information that a physician shares. Consider someone who has multiple medical providers that they see regularly, your understanding and being part of the conversation can help ensure that the care your loved one receives is better coordinated and meets their needs directly.

Advocating for your loved one is an empowering and caring gift you can give as a caregiver. Give yourself permission to seek answers and help create a path forward that is beneficial for your loved one and for you as a caregiver.

What does advocating look like?

• Asking Questions
  Asking questions is the simplest way to learn, and the more we learn, the better we can support and advocate for the wishes of those around us. Asking questions to your loved one – about their hopes, goals and healthcare wishes – is a great starting point that can help equip you with important information for the journey ahead. Are there certain treatments that your loved one would like to avoid? Do they want help making decisions or would they rather you just support them in their choices? When we ask questions, we acknowledge our need for more information. As a caregiver, getting your questions answered by medical professionals as well as the person you care for can arm you with increased knowledge to help you with your care role and responsibilities.
• Speaking Up
  Often, caregivers can identify potential issues or challenges but don’t speak up about them for a host of reasons. Maybe you feel like your concerns are not big enough or maybe you feel like your problem is unsolvable. Regardless of why we keep quiet, speaking up is the only way that others will know that we need support. When we speak up for someone we are taking care of, we are advocating for or promoting their best interests in a situation.
• Pressing Forward
  Often when things are challenging, giving up seems easier. But, advocating for someone who is unable to advocate for themselves depends on you pushing through the tough challenges. Maintaining an attitude of perseverance and resourcefulness is key. Keep looking for solutions and engaging resources that can potentially support you and your loved one. Your determination will pay off – keep pressing!