Patient Advocacy

Patient advocacy supports patients in getting the care they need, especially when these patients can’t or don’t know how to advocate for themselves. At Trinity Rehabilitation & Wellness located in Cary, North Carolina, speech-language pathologist Christina Buchanan, MS, CCC-SLP, and her team act as advocates for their patients so they can get the best care possible for their wellness. To learn more, call the office or book an in-person or telehealth appointment online today.

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Frequently Ask Questions.

What is patient advocacy?

If you or a loved one has dementia or a disorder that affects your ability to communicate wellness needs, coordinating health care can be incredibly challenging. Patient advocates ensure patient rights are protected and help them find the best avenue of care for their individual needs.

The concierge model of patient advocacy offered at Trinity Rehabilitation & Wellness means you pay a set fee for patient advocacy services. The team acts as a go-between for a patient as they communicate with those in their caring circle, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians, nurses, and other caregivers.

What does patient advocacy involve?

Patient advocacy may seem like a foreign term. It’s actually an important piece of any patient’s comprehensive health care plan, and it’s essential for patients who either can’t or don’t know how to advocate for themselves when they have a speech or language disorder.

The patient advocate role involves communication with all caregivers and medical providers, but also supports the mental and emotional health needs of the patient as well. A patient advocate may listen to fears and concerns of the patient and their loved ones. The advocate can help you outline and communicate your health care goals and wishes.

Patient advocates are good at being neutral advocates. They explain facts and are respectful of patient decisions, without inserting their own opinions. This is not legal advocacy nor does this type of advocacy involve power of attorney.

How could I use a patient advocate?

Your patient advocate works closely with you to have a full understanding of your goals and concerns. You’ll undergo a comprehensive wellness consultation with your advocate. During this time, you or your caregivers discuss what you need from the advocate.

Your advocate can attend any meetings or appointments you have with health care professionals to take notes and ask questions. Your advocate should also have your extended care team’s contact information and vice versa.

Your advocate can ensure you get the best care at the right time. They can help you decide if you need more or less support according to your condition’s progression.