Enhancing Quality of Life through Care Advocacy with Patient Care Advocate Marianna Felice

Navigating the long-term care system can be like going through a maze, full of potential dead ends and paths to safety. For many families, this is exactly what journeying through the long-term care system feels like. Ensuring a loved one receives the right care can be overwhelming. Patient advocacy plays a crucial role here, serving as a guide through the healthcare complexities.

 

Marianna is the Lead Advocate for CareRight, Inc. Her role goes beyond mere oversight; she becomes a trusted confidant and a steadfast supporter for her clients. Visiting them regularly, she ensures that their needs are met, and any issues are promptly addressed. In this episode, Marianna and Anna address the challenges in care communities, the importance of patient advocacy, and the systemic issues within the healthcare system.

 

Quotes:

• "Many times, I've been asked if I'm a family member because of the bond I develop with my clients." – Marianna Felice
• "You don't have to be a nurse to know when something's wrong; advocates play a key role in identifying and addressing these issues." – Annalee Kruger
• "It's a fight to get quality care sometimes, and having an advocate ensures that residents' needs are continuously addressed." – Annalee Kruger

 

Takeaways:

• Regular, bi-weekly visits by patient advocates are crucial in identifying and addressing care issues that may be overlooked by facility staff.
• Staff shortages and high turnover rates in care communities often lead to compromised care, making the role of advocates even more essential.
• Advocates provide a critical oversight function, ensuring that medical issues are promptly and correctly addressed, thereby improving residents' quality of life.
• Family members of residents can benefit from the support of patient advocates, who can attend care conferences and follow up on necessary actions, relieving families of constant worry.
• The presence of a dedicated advocate can significantly enhance the care experience for residents, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.

 

Conclusion:

Patient advocates play a crucial role in improving life quality for long-term care residents. They do this through consistent visits, thorough supervision, and empathetic care, filling in the gaps of a frequently imperfect healthcare system. Families are urged to actively advocate for their relatives, making sure they get the necessary attention and care. The combined efforts of advocates and healthcare professionals are key in handling the difficulties within care communities.

 

Resources:

Annalee’s LinkedIn

Care Right Inc. Website

Website Episode

Learn more about The Elder Planning Specialist designation and certification program at Plan for Life Now

Guest Links:

Marianna's LinkedIn

Marianna's Website