When is The Right Time to Have Such a Conversation? There is never a right time to discuss end of life issues. But the issues can quickly become a fact of life, oftentimes when you least expect it. Few people are physically or emotionally prepared for these types of conversations and the decisions they may require. Many think that this conversation only deals with end of life requests and final wishes. While these topics are …
Helen Keller was once asked if she had her choice, which she would prefer, to see or to hear. She said she would want to hear; that being deaf made her feel more cut off from people than her loss of sight. But when one has a hearing deficit, a clean, properly maintained hearing aid can make a significant difference in a person’s life. Types of Hearing Aids Non-programmable conventional or analog hearing aids, which …
Millions of people in the U.S. have impaired hearing, so you are not alone if you suspect you or someone in your family might have hearing loss. The first step is to find out what is causing the loss. If it is a temporary loss, it may be treated by medicine or surgery. But, in most cases, the loss is permanent and hearing aids or other devices are needed to restore the ability to hear …
Upon graduation from medical school each new doctor takes the Hippocratic oath in which s/he pledges to do ‘no harm’. These young doctors subsequently spend the rest of their career with their patient’s best interests at heart and with the intent of causing no harm. There are many reasons why a patient chooses a particular doctor. S/he may be the best diagnostician in town. Or s/he may have the best bedside manner. Whatever the reason …
Doctors are human beings. They have feelings and they have emotions…just like their patients. There are many doctors out there giving all sorts of care. Some are great doctors but have a hard time being a nice person. Some are great human beings, but are not the best clinicians. Some have fabulous bedside manner, putting you at ease immediately, while others have the personality of a frog. Being nice and having a good bedside manner …
What is Hope? Hope is defined in the dictionary as “a confident yet uncertain expectation of achieving a future good which, to the hoping person, is realistically possible and personally significant. ” Hope means different things to different people and its meaning can change, especially when a person faces a catastrophic or life-threatening situation. When a person is very ill, hope is a valuable coping tool. It doesn’t necessarily have to do with survival, but …
Being prepared for a doctor visit can make a huge difference in your comfort level as a patient. If you spend a few minutes preparing for your visit, you will be better informed and capable of making better decisions. You will also be better able to partner with your health care provider to get the best health care outcomes possible. How To Find A Doctor: If you are new to an area and don’t know …
When you assume the role of patient advocate for someone you love or care about, you will be playing a very important role in the safety and security of the patient. Be sure that the staff knows that you will be advocating for the patient. Because of laws regarding patient confidentiality ( HIPAA: Health Information Portability & Accountability Act of 1996; http://www.hhs.gov.com) the patient will have to sign a form designating you as their advocate. People …
As a patient you absorb a lot less information when you are anxious, scared, vulnerable, in pain, medicated, immobilized, unconscious, drowsy and/or undressed. In such scenarios, ask a trusted family member or friend to be your patient advocate when you enter the health care system. Plan on keeping your advocate with you at all times, even overnight, if you are going to need hospitalization. You will be able to rest much better. Your advocate can …
Don’t leave your doctor’s office without the answers you need. by: Cathie Gandel | from: AARP Bulletin | May 15, 2009 Credit: Blend Images/Getty Images Asking the right questions just might save your life. It’s a message that can’t be repeated often enough. Study after study has shown that good communication and patient safety are inexorably linked. When communication with health care providers fails, patients are less likely to follow medication instructions, are subjected to more diagnostic …
by: Cathie Gandel | from: AARP Bulletin | May 15, 2009 Related Ask Your Doctor and Your Pharmacist About Your Medicines. Asking Questions to Get the Care You Need. Going to the Doctor? Take an Advocate Along. Asking the right questions just might save your life. It’s a message that can’t be repeated often enough. Study after study has shown that good communication and patient safety are inexorably linked. When communication with health care providers fails, patients …
