Advocating for Senior Health Care

Unfortunately, we’ve all heard horror stories on the news of elderly individuals being taken advantage of by doctors or medical facilities. It puts a pit in our stomach and causes us to think about our aging parents or grandparents. Are we doing all that we can to keep them safe and well taken care of?



In order to assure that your loved one’s health care needs are being met properly, consider being their advocate or allowing a trusted caregiver to be their advocate. Having a trusted senior health care advocate will give you and your loved one peace of mind.

The role of a health care advocate is crucial. As an advocate, you must be willing to step in and make sure no stone goes unturned. You will have to be sure that the needs of your loved one are being met and that no one is taking advantage of them.

One step you should take to aid a senior with their health care is to attend doctor appointments and make sure that all concerns and questions are being addressed. If the senior you are supporting isn’t speaking up for themself, make sure you stand in and cover all the bases.

Another step to take is to ask questions about prescriptions. Go through the side effects, what times the pills should be taken, and if they should be taken with food or on an empty stomach. When you are given the details about the prescriptions come up with a plan or schedule for the pills and keep things organized.

A major component of senior health advocacy is seeing what procedures Medicare and Medicaid cover and making sure bills are paid. By making sure you are up-to-date on what your senior’s health care plan covers you will be able to help them budget costs of procedures. This way there are no surprise medical bills coming their way.

By being a second set of eyes and ears for a senior, you will take some of the burdens off of them. Being an advocate is hard work and takes dedication. Keep in mind that you are aiding someone who truly appreciates your support and help and that one day we too will be in a position where we need an advocate.