Families Are Not Visitors But Advocates for Care

A Wall Street Journal article explores the notion that families are in the best position to be advocates for their loved ones health but can not be looked upon as mere visitors in the hospital but as Beverly Johnson, president of the nonprofit Institute for Family-Centered Care, puts it “allies and partners for safety and quality.” Hospitals that have embraced this report increased satisfaction levels and decreased turnover. And ultimately the reduction of unnecessary medical errors makes the patient the ultimate victor in this scenario. Is your hospital (nursing home, assisted living facility, adult day center, CCRC) inviting your input into care or snubbing their nose? Are you participating in the plan of care? You decide. We need to be advocates for each other.