Medical errors are the 8th leading cause of death in the U.S.  Between 44,000 and 98,000 patients die each year because of these often preventable medical injuries.  By being a good advocate for your aging parents and  elderly  friends you can stop them from becoming another statistic.   

Here are 8 tips for keeping your parents safe during a hospital stay which could possibly save their lives.  

 1. Be an advocate for your parent

Someone needs to represent your parent's best interest at the hospital or nursing home.  If you are uncomfortable with the job, ask another family member who can get things done to advocate.  If no one else can, or will,  hire the work done.  You can often get a private nurse to stay with your parent briefly during the most crucial hours or days after surgery.   

2. Meet with your parent's doctor and staff

Know everyone on every shift who will be taking care of your parent.  Make sure you know which doctor is in charge and who makes the final decisions.  This  will be the doctor you will have the most contact with should a problem arise. 

Review your parent's condition with everyone involved. Never assume all important information has been shared.

3. Find out every test and   procedure to be done

Ask why tests have been ordered and when the results will be in. Let the doctor know you intend to be informed of the results.  Ask about any side effects or dangers with  any procedures and make sure you know the schedule.

Do not allow anyone to come into the room unannounced, if it doesn't involve an emergency, and begin any procedure unless you have verified it with the doctor.  This will cut down on mistakes and patient mix-ups. You should also ask about possible side effects and wound infections.

4. Get a list of all your parent's medications

By knowing what your parents will be taking and why, you can do your greatest service as their advocate.  It is vital you know which drugs they are supposed to have because this is an area where many medical errors often occur.  Check, verify and double check.  Drugs can have serious side effects and the wrong drugs can kill.

5. Research your parent's condition

This is easier than ever because we have information from the Internet that we didn't have only a few years ago.  Take advantage of this opportunity to learn everything you can so that you can be on top of anything you need to discuss.  You will be better able to ask questions such as is the doctor using the latest treatment and if not, why not?

Many times he may have a very valid reason for not jumping into new treatments.  Let him know you care and you expect the best for your parent.

For more information and research  go to      http://www.guideline.gov   and www.heathfinder.gov.

6. Be cooperative with the staff but don't be afraid to speak up or ask questions

Is it really okay to ask if they have washed their hands before treating your parent?  If that seems impolite to you consider how infections spread throughout hospitals from patient to patient.

It is a fact more and more health care workers are forgetting to wash their hands.  If you ask, they will be more likely to comply.

7. Meet with the surgeon and anesthesiologist before any surgery

Again verify everything that will be done.  Find out who will be monitoring your parent during the surgery.  Will it be the anesthesiologist or a nurse  anesthetist?  Make sure he has all the information he needs about any problems with your parent's condition such as allergic reactions to medications.

8. Watch for any warning signs that your parent's condition may be changing 

If your parent suddenly acts differently or seems to be making a change, even if it is small and unnoticeable by the staff, bring it to their attention.  Watch for any signs or any changes which make you uncomfortable.  You know your parents better than they do, and nurses can sometimes be overworked.

You can not afford to take chances.  Your elderly parents are depending upon you to get them through a difficult and often intimidating hospital  experience. By being a good medical consumer and advocate for them, you will not only gain more cooperation from the staff but you will be better empowered to receive  the best treatment.  

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