Living Well 60+ May – June 2016 | Page 24

24 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 6 The Patient Advocate Professionals help families when loved ones are hospitalized by Jean Jeffers, Staff Writer Receiving health care today is a challenge. It often involves participation in a system that is time consuming and complicated. While there are many efforts to- day to simplify and safeguard this system from errors, nevertheless errors are made daily. Questions about practice are often lost in the asking, and patients are left to fend for themselves. But a new trend is emerging: the fast-growing field of patient advocacy. Formal programs are being developed for assisting patients with their medical needs and doing patient advocacy. Yellow/ Wildcat Cab Now offering wheelchair accessible vans Since 1934 Yellow/Wildcat Cab has been growing with the community As always we are looking forward to serving you Many patients and their families are hiring private professional health advocates (PPHAs). Many of these advocates are experienced RNs who guide the patient and family through the