Self-advocacy, sometimes referred to as speaking up for yourself, involves identifying and communicating your needs. It supports goal setting and independence and requires confidence and good communication skills. Being able to advocate for yourself is especially important for seniors with challenges that may affect their access to care.
Below is a list of 5 tips that can help seniors be self-advocates.
1. Learn about your rights. It’s important to know about rights such as those related to housing and healthcare so you can exercise them when necessary.
2. Speak up for yourself. Don’t be shy if you aren’t getting what you need. You can reach out to family members or friends if you are having difficulty expressing exactly what it is that you need.
3. Stay up to date on recent news. This can help you make more informed decisions and inform you of new policies or updates that may affect your approach.
4. Practice being assertive. This can be achieved by preparing ahead of time, using “I” statements, and being clear and specific.
5. Be open to compromise. The impression you leave on the person can affect how they respond to you.
The Boom Health app allows you to manage your loved one’s home care in one app and takes the stress out of organizing care. Download the app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
