Consequently, time management for the family caregiver becomes paramount. It is extremely difficult to juggle the many priorities of patient needs, family and career. Particularly when simultaneous time conflicts occur…do I take mom to her doctor appointment or watch my daughters’ volleyball game? Priority conflicts can cause extreme angst and stress, sometimes creating health issues for the caregiver. The question quickly becomes, how do I adequately support the patient, meet my own needs and responsibilities, and maintain my own sanity, simultaneously? Fortunately, help is available through the emerging discipline of
patient advocacy. Patient advocacy is a general term for an individual or organization working on behalf of the patient and his/her family through diagnosis and treatment options, navigation care systems and insurance, and more.