Death, though a natural part of life, is often a difficult subject to approach. As nurses with years of experience in healthcare, we’ve seen first-hand the agonizing decisions and experiences that many people endure at the of their life.   We live in a culture that has medicalized death and created a belief that there is […] The post Preparing on a Continuum: Considerations Around End of Life appeared first on Care Weavers ..read more

When you’re the primary caregiver for someone, you take on a role that’s both rewarding and challenging. But what happens if you’re suddenly unable to continue in that role due to an accident or an unexpected event? This is where a Caregiver Crisis Plan becomes critical. Having a plan in place ensures that your loved […] The post Caregiver Crisis Plan appeared first on Care Weavers ..read more

Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, especially when emotions are high and you’re running into roadblocks. One of the challenges some of our clients face is getting in front of the doctor to ask questions and learn about their proposed treatment plan. If you’re running into this situation, here are some of our best […] The post How to Get in Front of the Doctor appeared first on Care Weavers ..read more

Caring for aging parents is a noble and loving responsibility, but it can also be incredibly demanding. As a caregiver, it’s essential to recognize when your parents’ needs exceed what you can manage alone. Understanding these signs ensures that your parents receive the best possible care and that you maintain your own well-being. Here are the key indicators that it’s time to seek additional support:  Increased Medical Needs  As your parents age, their medical requirements may become more complex. Be alert for signs that their health needs are escalating beyond your capability:  ..read more

In the complex landscape of healthcare, especially in settings like hospitals or rehabilitation centers, individuals and families often find themselves in need of assistance to navigate the intricacies of their care journey. Two key roles that provide this support are case managers employed by the hospital or rehab and private care coordinators. While they share some similarities, case managers and care coordinators like Care Weavers differ significantly in their scope, responsibilities, and how they are accessed. Understanding these disparities is crucial for patients and their loved ones to ..read more

In healthcare emergencies, the stress and urgency of the crisis can often cloud our judgment. Amidst the chaos, it’s crucial to maintain a sense of clarity and empowerment, while remembering that the hospital’s goal is for the patient to leave as quickly as possible. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate through healthcare emergencies effectively: Assume Nobody Knows Anything One of the most critical mindsets to adopt in a healthcare emergency is to always assume that nobody knows anything about your situation. While healthcare professionals strive to provide the best care, they ..read more

When you visit your primary care provider, it’s important that you prepare in advance to make sure you’re able to address questions you may have or any changes to your health. Make a list and prioritize your concerns. Write down any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and changes to your health (even small ones). If your list is longer than 3-4 items, ask for an extended appointment with your doctor. Bring important information. An up-to-date list of all medications you’re currently taking is helpful, or you can just put them in a bag and bring that. Additionally, if you’ve seen doctors outside ..read more

It can be overwhelming and scary to face a medical event or crisis. Whether it’s an acute event or a complicated quest for a diagnosis, there are often multiple doctors and nurses giving you lots of information. You may have family or friends with good intentions adding information or making suggestions, too. In these circumstances, you can hire a patient advocate who is also an RN (Registered Nurse) to help. Having a Registered Nurse on your side can: Shorten your hospital stay. RNs know how to avoid mistakes, anticipate gaps in care and help to expedite your care to shorten your stay in t ..read more

When you or a loved one must go to a hospital, often your primary concern is quality of care. You’re looking for the best place to get a diagnosis and treatment, and not necessarily thinking about whether the medical records tool that healthcare provider uses is connected to the last place you’ve visited. In Charlotte, NC, there are two large healthcare systems: Atrium Health and Novant Health. Each has their own portal to access your records, appointments, bills, and other information. These two portals can be connected, so you and your providers can access your records from visits to hospita ..read more

How Can Care Weavers Help? After getting through a medical event or crisis, the biggest challenges that a person faces is managing their recovery. The most crucial time for recovery is the period immediately following a medical intervention such as surgery or a hospitalization. It is crucial to optimize opportunities for healing and forward progress back to baseline. Not managing this well can cause major setbacks leading to more issues, further debilitation and pain down the road. One of the services Care Weavers’ care coordinators provide is management of transitions during care delivery. Ou ..read more