Tips for Managing an Illness or Injury

Being a patient or family caregiver is hard, stressful work for which no one is prepared. For the best healthcare possible, it’s important to be an engaged, effective, empowered member of your medical team. These 8 tips for managing an illness or injury are a great way to start the path towards being an empowered patient or family caregiver.

8 easy to follow tips

1. It is important to be involved. Don’t be afraid to be the “squeaky wheel”.  Be politely assertive.  Advocate.  Ask questions.  Speak up if something doesn’t seem right.
2. You might have to tell the patient’s story to many different doctors at different points in the process.  Do not shorten the story or leave out important details because it’s frustrating to repeat yourself.
3. Realize you have the right to refuse or delay a medication, test or treatment, even when in the hospital.  If you are not certain that a medication is correct, or a procedure is needed, speak up.  All medications and procedures have possible side effects and risks.
4. Go to all medical appointments prepared with your written questions and concerns.
5. Bring all of your related medical records with you for each appointment. Do not assume that each of your doctors has received notes and test results from the other doctors on your team.
6. Take notes.  Use a notebook to keep track of everything – including your questions and the corresponding answers, medications prescribed and used, other recommendations, symptoms and test results.
7. Follow up on test results with your doctor if you have not heard back within the expected time frame.
8. Carry your list of medications with you at all times.

Managing an illness or injury just got easier.

For even more help in managing an illness or injury, consider purchasing a ZaggoCare System, for yourself or a loved one. The ZaggoCare System’s tips and organizational tools help you be an engaged member of your medical team, allowing you to get the best care possible.

Learn more here.