Enlisting an Advocate

A trusted family member or friend can be a great asset to you when you are a patient in the hospital. With your permission, your support person can ask questions that you may not think of and can help you remember the answers. Your support person is welcome to be with you 24 hours a day.

If your support person is concerned about a significant change in your medical condition while you are at WakeMed, they should take action immediately by notifying your nurse.

Specific things your advocate can do for you during your hospital stay include:

• Asking questions that you may not think of while you are under stress.
• Staying with you, even overnight, when you are hospitalized. You will be able to rest more comfortably, and your advocate can help to make sure you get the right medications and treatments.
• Helping to remember answers to questions you have asked, and speak up for you if you cannot.
• Making sure your Advance Directive preferences for care and your wishes concerning resuscitation and life support are observed.
• Reviewing consents for treatment before you sign them, and making sure you both understand exactly what you are agreeing to.
• Making sure both you and your advocate understand the type of care you will need and discharge instructions for when you get home. Your advocate should know what to look for if your condition is getting worse and whom to call for help.
• Being another person to listen to and remember information about medications, follow up appointments and other instructions at discharge.