Stay Safe, San Diego
18 VOL. 5 ISSUE 9
Advocating For Hospitalized Loved Ones During COVID-19 By Kie Copenhaver MA, RHIA, CSA, RCFE
Sitting bedside and visiting with a loved one while they are hospitalized or in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) has been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many patients are having to navigate the healthcare continuum without the comfort of a loved one or family member physically with them. This lack of real-time patient support, comfort and advocacy is raising concern and may be resulting in negative health outcomes. Here are two important ways you can remain in touch and stay informed of your loved one’s plan of care during COVID-19: Phone calls are vital – at least daily and more than once a day, based on your loved one’s health condition and situation. If your loved one is unable to communicate (e.g., stroke, coma, respirator), ask for the case manager or social worker assigned to their case. Video chats when and where possible – FaceTime on iPhones, Google Chat, Skype, Zoom video chats and even Marco Polo (which allows you to send and receive video clips) allows you to see and hear your loved one. If the patient does not have the technology necessary or the ability to work the technology, ask the social worker/case manager if they can provide it and assist your
son when calling. Appoint one person to be the “point person” for the hospital or SNF to communicate with. Multiple calls to the healthcare facility by numerous family members or friends will only confuse the situation and potentially create a “he said” “she said” environment.
loved one in using it. Here is information you will want to gather if your loved goes into the hospital or SNF: What room number and/or bed is your loved one currently in? What is the direct phone number for your loved one’s room (or bed, if more than one patient to a room)?
Julie Derry MBA, CSA
Who is the attending physician? Who is the case manager, social worker or discharge/ transition planner assigned to your loved one’s case? If this person changes daily (which does happen), ask for the main phone number for the Social Work/Case Management department so you can speak directly to a per-
Kie Copenhaver
MA, RHIA, CSA, RCFE
Create a binder where you can document the important things: diagnoses, dates, times, any procedures and conversations; make notes, create reminders and keep track of any additional and pertinent information regarding your loved one’s care. Keep this handy when speaking to anyone at the hospital or SNF. Request a daily call from someone – either the attending physician or social worker/ case manager – providing that “point person” a regular update. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your hospitalized loved ones do not have to be alone during this time of no-visitation policies. A phone call does wonders to shift the mood; a video chat can lift both the sender and receiver’s spirits, allowing you to see how your loved one is doing while away from you. With a few additional logistics and a comprehensive plan to stay in touch and informed, your loved one will hopefully be discharged in no time!
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