HCA 105 Advocacy Assignment
Define advocacy and describe the steps in the advocacy process:
Advocacy is the act of upholding and/or defending the rights of others -belief in the dignity and worth of every individual and his/her right to the best possible life.
It involves the following steps:
1. Assess the situation and gather as much information as you can, try to separate facts from opinions, feelings and emotions. Look at the situation from more than one perspective and remain unbiased, non-judgmental and obhective as possible.
2. Define the problem, making sure the client is in agreement and grants you permission to proceed.
3. Brainstorm! Evaluate each possible solution and consider the resources it would require. Creating a plan of action.
4. Identify key players, those in position of power or authority. Present your case in a clear organized and respectful manner.
5. Evaluate the results- The plan of action did it work? Why or why not? If changes were necessary, what were they? What would you do differently?
Problem/issue: Mrs. Hoy is 80 years old, has Parkinson's disease accomplanied by mild dementia. She is very frail, forgetful, and a high falls risk, a support worker visits once a day for about an hour to help Mrs. Hoy with her lunch. Mrs. Hoy is left alone a majority of the day alone, although her son lives in the same building he constantly worries about her safety. Advocacy should be an issue, in this particular situation because of her past history of a high falls risk, having Parkinson's disease with mild dementia. Safety is an opportunity for advocacy because her son is afraid she might leave the apartment building unknowingly, and she may forget how to get back in due to her mild dementia. Over time this may progress and there should be other options besides placing her in a facility.
Additional information needed before proceeding with advocacy:
Parkinson's disease- What stage is she in? Besides her son, are there other family members, friends, and neighbours that may want to get involved in her ADL.
