When a loved one is hospitalized, it’s only natural for family members to feel anxious and helpless. That’s true whether it involves a planned surgery or a sudden illness or injury.
When that loved one is a child, senior or someone whose thinking or communication skills are compromised by their condition and/or medications, the responsibility to oversee their care and be their advocate feels even greater.
If you’re facing this situation, you may wonder “How can I help ensure that my loved one doesn’t become the victim of negligence or mistakes while not interfering with their treatment?”
Children
Learn as much as possible about the medical professionals who will be treating them. Know the treatment plan, what changes you may see that are normal and what changes you should immediately report
Get a list of medications they’ll be given. Also be sure the medical team knows what medications and supplements your child is already taking. Tell them about any allergies. Don’t assume the information is in their records – particularly if this wasn’t a planned visit.
Get to know their care team – those on all shifts. If you develop a positive relationship with them, they’ll likely be more open with you. Sometimes the best doctors aren’t the easiest to talk to and don’t like being questioned. Don’t let their attitude make you afraid to get the answers you need and deserve.
Older family members
The guidance above also applies to seniors and other family members who may not be able to advocate for themselves. One additional concern for older adults is falls. These are particularly common in hospitals because of medications, lack of solid footwear and unfamiliar surroundings. Your loved one should be in a lowered bed with the side rails up – particularly if they’re left alone — if there’s any concern about them falling out of bed or trying to get up on their own.
Don’t be afraid to ask to stay in the room with your loved one overnight. It’s best to have more than one family member as part of a “tag team” to minimize your loved one’s time alone. It can easily be too much for one person, and if you’re exhausted, you’ll potentially be of little or no help to your loved one.
Certainly, serious medical negligence and errors can occur no matter how attentive a hospitalized person’s family is. Another way to advocate for a loved one is to help ensure that appropriate party(ies) are held liable for any harm that does occur due to negligence. Getting sound legal guidance is a good first step.