By Mary Cordova
Why Every Family Needs a Senior Care Advocate: A Personal Story of Navigating the Healthcare System
With over 35 years of experience in the senior housing and healthcare industry, I thought I was prepared for any challenge. However, nothing could have prepared me for the journey we faced when my father-in-law landed in a rural hospital in Bremerton, WA. This is a story about how crucial having a senior care advocate can be, even for someone with decades of industry experience.
The Hospital Ordeal: A System Unprepared to Help
It started on a Saturday evening when we received a call from my father-in-law’s caregiver: he had taken a bad fall in the shower and was being rushed to the hospital. We immediately drove to Bremerton to be with him. When we arrived, it was clear that his condition was serious.
At 6’4″ and 220 lbs, my father-in-law could not stand, speak, or explain what had happened. His confusion was compounded by dementia, congestive heart failure, diabetes, a urinary tract infection (UTI), and a severe wound on his leg.
When the doctor in the emergency department finally arrived, instead of compassion or solutions, we were met with a dismissive question:
“His old body is tired and giving up. Do you have somewhere for him to go?”
Shocked, I responded, “He can’t walk, he needs help with personal care, and he can’t even stand.”
The doctor suggested, “I’m sure there’s a bed at your house where he could stay until you get a hospital bed and wheelchair delivered.”
We were devastated. Of course, we agreed to take him in—we would do anything for this man who had been part of our lives for 24 years. But we were unprepared to meet his needs, and the necessary equipment couldn’t be covered by Medicare until we arranged a visit with a new doctor. It took several days and out-of-pocket expenses to get the equipment we needed.
Navigating a Broken System Without Advocacy
Despite my father-in-law’s severe health issues, the hospital could not justify admitting him, forcing us to take him home under unsafe conditions. Feeling rushed and overwhelmed, I found myself lost in the system, making difficult decisions on the fly, and struggling to secure the care he so desperately needed.
A few days later, he was rushed to Swedish Issaquah, where he finally received the compassionate care he deserved. After stabilizing, he moved to a rehabilitation center to regain some strength. However, his health continued to decline, and he nearly passed away three times due to recurring infections and pneumonia.
The Value of a Senior Advocate: Lessons Learned
This personal experience has been eye-opening, even for someone like me, who has spent decades working with seniors. It underscored how important it is to have a neutral, knowledgeable advocate guiding families through the chaos of hospital discharges, skilled nursing stays, and home care transitions.
Here’s how a senior advocate could have made a difference for us:
- Preventing Unsafe Discharge: An advocate would have ensured my father-in-law was not discharged home without proper equipment or a clear plan in place.
- Advocating for Compassionate Care: They could have conveyed our concerns about the doctor’s lack of empathy and demanded better bedside manner.
- Managing Communication: An advocate would have coordinated with social workers and taken on the burden of follow-up calls, allowing us to focus on my father-in-law’s emotional well-being.
- Providing Regular Support: An advocate could have become another consistent visitor and source of comfort for my father-in-law, checking in on his care and well-being weekly.
A Helping Hand in Times of Crisis
Despite my years of experience, I was overwhelmed by the complex and often impersonal healthcare system. Throughout the process, I found myself relying on colleagues and friends for advice and support—proof that even the most seasoned professionals need help. Having an advocate would have spared us many of the frustrations and emotional burdens we faced.
When a senior is in the hospital, a nursing home, assisted living, or even still at home, it’s essential to have someone advocating for them. If they aren’t thriving, or if navigating the system feels impossible, you need someone who knows how to help.
The Role of a Senior Care Advocate
At Concierge Care Advisors, our goal is to guide families through the difficult decisions involved in senior care, ensuring the best long-term outcomes for your loved one. Our services are free because we believe no family should go through this alone. A senior care advocate provides:
- Expert guidance on care options and transitions
- Support for families during emotional decision-making
- Access to vetted communities and care providers
- Relief from the burden of paperwork and logistics
We Are Here to Help
Whether you are dealing with an unexpected hospital stay, facing a skilled nursing transition, or simply trying to find the right care setting, you don’t have to do it alone. A professional advocate can ensure your loved one receives the care they deserve while giving you peace of mind.
Let Concierge Care Advisors be your guide. Our focus is on your family’s well-being and ensuring the best possible care and quality of life for your loved one.
📞 Contact us today at 855-444-7364 or visit Concierge Care Advisors to schedule a consultation. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Image courtesy of everydayplus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
