Rock Hill Senior Solutions; The Most Important Person on Health Care Team

The most important member of your health care team is...you.

Posted by RStrait - Senior Solutions Advisor - Piedmont Region, Rock Hill SC on August 30, 2011 at 7:55 AM



You are the most important member of your health care team. You are the expert on you, so be sure to communicate openly any questions or concerns you have to your health care team. The most powerful tool we have to guide us in life is knowledge. Learning about your condition or situation can give you confidence and comfort and can help you feel more in control.

When faced with an illness, also consider getting a second opinion. A second opinion does not mean that you lack trust in your physician, it only means that you want to make sure that you have access to all your treatment options; there may be a few that one doctor is aware of that yours may not be. Seek out education. Utilize the library, the internet and also support groups. Do not withdraw from your life because of an unfavorable diagnosis. Take charge of your situation, educate yourself, work with your health care team and devise a plan of action.

Do not feel alone; get support, so you can avoid feeling emotionally or psychologically overwhelmed. Here are some ideas for you:

First, find a family member or friend who can help keep others informed on what is going on with you. Second, allow your family and friends to help. It is very normal to feel like you cannot or should not ask for help, but understand these people want to help. Third, try to spend more time doing the things that mean the most to you and make you happy. When you are happy, endorphins are released and this can also help with a sense of well-being. Finally, the one word that we do not use as much as we probably should in our lives is the word "no." When you do not feel like going out, say no. When you want to rest and someone feels like they need to visit, say no. Also understand that the more you lie around, the more tired you may feel. Try to stay active as it will increase your energy level. Remember, no one knows you the way you do. The most important member of your health care team is YOU.

Everyday, pray.

God sees you. God said, "When you are confused, your mind is perplexed, your heart is troubled, and you don't know what in the world to do, come to Me and ask Me." Lay all the cards down on the table. God is not insecure in his sovereignty.

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:13).

Agape is a faith based organization and a recognized leader in patient centered hospice care, offering extensive services throughout the Piedmont region of South Carolina. We are respected for our professional and compassionate care allowing our patients to experience a peaceful death and their families receive the support services they need so they have a special sense of spiritual and emotional peace. Rock Hill, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls, Pageland, Fort Lawn, Van Wyck, Springdale, Greenville, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, Greer, Union, Gaffney, Boiling Springs, Taylors, SC. Call us at (800)-411-2427