Recently I spoke with a friend of mine who moved to Tennessee three years ago for a job promotion she could not refuse. Although she grew up in the Cincinnati area, she was really finding her place in Tennessee, but something was holding her back from really enjoying life in the Country Music Capital of the World. You see, her mother is now living in an assisted living facility near Florence, Kentucky, and she worries that if her medical needs change that she would not be there to assist her at her doctor appointments, or worse than that, not able to be there to coordinate her care.
Do you relate to this story? Many people experience this very problem, and it can literally keep you up at night worrying yourself to death. That’s why patient advocates are beneficial, especially to family members who live far away and cannot be there in these critical times when mom or dad have worsening health conditions. Sure, you can try and do it on your own, but it’s worth speaking with a patient advocate who knows your struggles and are there when you can’t be. Patient advocacy is a valuable tool that eases the burden on family members so they can rest better at night knowing their mom or dad are getting the best care possible.
