When someone you love is terminally ill, you may find yourself in an unfamiliar and challenging environment. Our counselors are here to help you advocate for your family member or friend. If you are also a caregiver, we can provide support and guidance. To help avoid or diminish "burnout," you may want to contact this resource: www.caregiver911.com.

And, of course, we are here to support you throughout the grieving process.
As you begin this journey, you need not expect that problems will develop. If they do, here are some suggestions to help you advocate for your loved one:

• Keep notes on your loved one's experience: whom you have spoken to about your concerns; what they said; what you did. Include dates/times.
• If your loved one is in the hospital, and you are not getting adequate information or answers to your questions, ask to speak to the nursing supervisor, patient representative, or risk manager. You may also contact the hospital administration office and ask for assistance.
• If you are in a situation where physicians and/or other family members disagree about a healthcare decision, speak to someone from the hospital ethics committee. An individual from the ethics committee will consult with family members and health care providers and assist in making decisions for patients who cannot speak for themselves.
• If you have concerns about the care your loved one is receiving in a long- term care facility, ask to speak to the director of nursing to set up a care planning meeting. If you do not seem to be making progress, contact the facility's long term care ombudsman. The facility office should give you their name and number. Or, online, you can go to your state's long-term care ombudsman program and identify the individual serving that facility: www.ltcombudsman.org.
• We suggest you ask for a copy of your loved one's medical records. You will be asked to sign a form and pay for copying fees. Request the entire medical record from the hospital or facility and the treating physicians.
• If you have a loved one with a terminal illness, who continues to receive inadequate pain and/or symptom management, has been denied an intervention which was requested, or has had their wishes for treatment ignored, please contact one of our counselors.
• Before calling us regarding any of the above situations, gather your thoughts and make some notes. The counselor will need to ask a series of specific questions before consulting with our Director of Legal Affairs.