Soar to Success February 2018

SOAR TO SUCCESS / February 2018 / Personal Growth Strategies Everyone Needs An Advocate By Wendy Long W ho will speak on your behalf if you aren’t able to? Let’s talk about why it’s so important to choose an advocate who can be your spokesperson. What if you or your parents were hospitalized andunable toexpress themselves? Whatwould happen if therewere an accident and theywere unconscious and unable to communicate? It is so important to make sure an advocate is in place to speak on your own or your parent’s behalf What is an advocate? An advocate is someone who will express your desires, information and wishes the way you would want them to be expressed. A person who will fight for your well-being, and your care when you cannot fight for or speak for yourself. As a child of an aging parent or parent of a special needs child, acting as an advocate is the most important thing you can do for your loved one. This role is most important if and when they are hospitalized. It is very confusing and overwhelming for someone with cognitive