Tips To Become A Better Caregiver Advocate

Send Cathy a text:)One of the roles we play as caregiver is Caregiver Advocate.  Meaning that you help your loved one with their health care and getting them the right care they needs.  You are a scheduler, money manager, house cleaner, health aide, nurse, navigator, nurturer and more. Perhaps the most important role, though, is advocate, as we ensure the best life possible for our loved ones when they are vulnerable.That includes understanding their wishes for care and quality of life, and making sure those wishes are respected. It means helping them manage financial and legal matters. And it means making sure they receive appropriate services and treatments, of the highest quality, when they need them. We are their voices when they are unable to advocate for themselves.If the thought of being an advocate for you seems overwhelming, relax. You probably already have the skills to be effective; you just need to develop and apply them in new ways. Here are the five tips of importance:Powers of observationBe fully present Find time for conversations Take notes on your observationsUse technologyOrganizational skillsIdentify your strengths and  weaknesses Partner with your team  Ask for help Listen to Episode 76 for more tips planningLook at everything and find ways to simplify  Communication skills;  This is key for building relationships. Be respectful. Try to set emotions asideDo your homework before meetingsFind out who handles what and get to know how they prefer to communicate  Asking questionsEducate yourself Be prepared, never assume and always clarifyQuestion everythingTenacityBe clear and focus on the end resultSurround yourself with encouraging people Have a positive mindsetBeing an advocate is hard work.    You hit many road blocks, challenges and sometimes no matter what you do, you fail.   My friend, don’t give up learn from each situation.   You are the voice for your Loved One.  Support the show