Gary Barg, Editor-in-Chief
In our ongoing exploration of the Fearless Caregiver Manifesto, let me first explain why this is so very important. If we are truly to consider ourselves an integral part of our loved one's care team, then we must have our own laws to live by.
The doctors have their Hippocratic oath…"I swear by Apollo the physician, by Æsculapius, Hygeia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the gods, all the goddesses, to keep according to my ability and my judgment, the following Oath"… I wonder how many doctors know this oath by heart, why not ask your doctor to recite the entire oath next time you see him or her? It would at least keep them in the room for a few more moments than your usual visit.
Anyway…back to the blackboard.
"I will fearlessly not sign or approve anything I do not understand, and will steadfastly request the information I need until I am satisfied with the explanations."
Repeat this sentence out loud to yourself. This is one of the most important concepts that any caregiver needs to learn.
Someone in a white coat pushing a pen and paper in front of us and telling us to sign something accompanies many of the most emotional moments in a caregiver's life. There are two important lessons in this realization. First, it is imperative that we deal with the most crucial issues of caring for our loved ones before an emergency strikes, and the second is to realize that you deserve an explanation of anything you are asked to sign. What are the consequences of putting pen to paper and what are the consequences of not complying with the request? You deserve to know and so does your loved one.
I have lived with this moment, and believe me, that is one moment of Déjà vu, I do not want to relive.
Does this strike a cord with your experience with caregiving? Please share your advice in the comments below