As a bedside nurse, one of the most rewarding, yet often the most frustrating aspects was always discharges. Let’s face it, when someone is admitted to the hospital, they are leaving one way or another. It makes sense then that discharge planning should start at admission. I would venture to say that most, if not all, hospitals preach this practice. Most hospitals have case managers or discharge coordinators that work diligently to try and make this happen. However, what I have observed is that families are still not prepared. They do not understand discharge instructions, what services will be needed once at home or the next facility and what medical follow-ups they will need and must schedule. Medications are often not in order, or understood.

An estimated one in seven Americans between the ages of 40 and 60 are caring for both their children and their parents. According to a Harvard Business School study, 73 percent of employees in the United States are caring for a child, parent, or friend. The study found that 80 percent of employees surveyed admitted that caregiving affected productivity at work and 32 percent of employees left a job because of their caregiving duties. Another study found that employee caregivers miss about 12 hours of work a month because of caregiving responsibilities.

Sandwich generation was first coined in 1981 and is used to describe caregivers sandwiched between generations. One of every eight people between the ages of 40 and 60 in this country is caring for a parent and a child. Twenty-two million people are part of the sandwich generation with that number expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

My next blog post was supposed to be about one of my favorite octogenarian clients who had the most amazing spirit. To know her was to love her. I could, and did, sit for hours with her. She never failed to put a smile on my face; her vibrant personality, her wit and her tenacity were contagious.

Instead, I am going to tell you about saying goodbye to Ms. Janice.

Mr. R is a current client and like all my clients I am thankful he chose me to be his patient advocate. I am not only thankful Mr. R is my client, but I am also thankful for the sacrifice Mr. R gave to our country.

Mr. R was a young coast guard serviceman when 9-11 hit. He spent the first 38 days at ground zero. He then went on to become a New York City Fire Fighter and continued to give to his community until his retirement.

I feel like I say this every year at this time, but it is December, and it is hard to believe the year is almost over. December is also the month Haven Healthcare Advocates launched. I am so proud of the work we have done and the families we have helped. For the next couple of weeks, I would like to take some time to highlight several of our clients from this past year. While I am thankful for each and every one of our clients that gave us the opportunity to advocate on their behalf, I also want to share these stories in hopes that their experience may help another family.

As an independent healthcare advocate what do I hear most often from new clients and families? “Thank you, I feel better already just knowing someone is on my side.”

Here are strategies for caring for aging parents from a distance. Plan a family meeting, use technology, plan regular visits and hire professionals are a few options.