This week, I’m deciding to stop the series on prognosis for specific diseases to talk about a subject that I consider to be of paramount importance, particularly considering that three times in the past two weeks, I’ve received a message from three distinct people that “I was not given the option of choosing.”
Vickie Wacaster is a Vickie Wacaster, Patient and Hospice Advocate with Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice)
We’re all aware that many every day choices do not require a thorough thinking process. For instance, I’ll pick a regular fountain soda in preference to a diet fountain drink because, despite the fact that diet coke is my preferred but I’m not fond of how a diet fountain coke tastes. But, not all decisions or choices are easy.
Making a decision on the basis of the choices you make is a powerful thing. The term “choice” refers to a choice of one or more of choices, and a choice is the process of deciding on one or more options.
When faced with difficult choices, it’s recommended to research your options, or more precisely, find out what options you have. From choosing a president, to picking a health plan, knowing what options are available will aid you in making your own decision, and won’t allow anyone else to make the choice for you.
In the case of hospice or home health Be aware that it’s your decision (Patient’s Right to Know of Rights – National Association for Home Care and Hospice) what home health facility or hospice you select. Take ownership of your choices. Remember the power of choice is in your hands.
A quote by Jay Rifenbary has inspired me. “You and I both must take the lead in our professional and personal lives. It is also our duty to encourage and allow others to follow suit.”
— Vickie Wacaster serves as an advocate for patients at Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice).
The article Making options can be empowering was originally published at The Andalusia Star-News.
