A recent situation brought home to me the importance of having an elder advocates present in conversations about an older person's care, especially when proposed changes are afoot. Unless that is so instilled as to be automatic, the older person & their loved ones can find themselves at a disadvantabe & the staff who cares for the elder - whether as medical staff or as staff at his or her senior residence - at a disadvantage.
The graphic says "Supporting patient power," but an elder advocate does so much more. Ideally, he or she advocates on behalf of ALL parties, for the benefit of the elder. Many times, what the staff wants to do is resisted by the elder & need to be discussed in ways that resonate with the older patient or resident. Ditto with the family. It helps to have someone not personally emeshed in the situation - not a family member, not a direct care provider - part of discussions.
More on this as thoughts get sufficiently mulled in my mind!
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