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

              How Can Care Weavers Help?       After a medical event, one of the biggest challenges that a person faces is their recovery. When a person isn’t able to focus on their rest and move forward, it can slow or even prevent their healing process, leading to more issues and pain down the road.        Ideally, planning for recovery begins in the hospital or if it’s an elective procedure, well ahead of the surgery date. Care Weavers’ friendly, professional team of coordinators can help clients get the care they need i ..read more

Countless cultures and religions have been practicing meditation for thousands of years, and for good reason. Since as early as 5,000 BCE, people have used meditation to improve their mental and physical health. One of the many great things about meditation is that anyone can do it, regardless of age.  Meditation has a lot to offer older adults. The emotional and cognitive benefits of the practice can have a meaningful impact on your life, especially if you make it a consistent part of your daily routine. If you’re new to meditation and aren’t sure how to get started — no problem; we’re h ..read more

Risks for cognitive issues increase as a person ages. It can be difficult for family members to spot signs of dementia in the early to mid stages of progression. You may notice the occasional memory lapse but attribute it to natural aging rather than a degenerative condition. However, specific behaviors associated with dementia can help you spot early warning signs. Though dementia is incurable, early detection can help with planning and arranging services to maintain quality of life and get treatment as the disease progresses. Here is a closer look at how to tell if someone has dementia. What ..read more

Assisted Living vs Nursing Home: Important Differences As people age, they need different levels of assistance to maintain their quality of life and remain healthy. This choice usually involves comparing assisted living vs nursing home options. The choice can be a nuanced one. You may have to weigh current needs and those you expect to have in the future, and the specific services offered by each type of facility. Here is a closer look at the assisted living vs nursing home comparison and other insights to help when choosing a long-term care facility. What Is Assisted Living? Assisted living f ..read more

No one wants to think that they — or their loved ones — may need a crisis management plan for a medical emergency. The fact is, having one in place in case an accident occurs, or some unforeseen (or foreseen) event necessitates medical action, will be extremely helpful not only for the patient but for their family as well. This article will guide you in the development of a crisis management plan so that things can be done more quickly, efficiently, and effectively when time is of the essence. Why Would You Need a Medical Crisis Plan? Consider this example. An elderly woman appears physically ..read more