Empowering a patient?

Question

How can a nurse empower an elderly patient who's abused by her son for financial reasons??

Answer 1

Is there another family mamber you could air your concerns with? Or notify her G.P. Sounds like she maybe needs to get somebody to have power of attorney over her finances-other than her son. Age concern or C.A.B may be able to point you in the right direction as what to do in this difficult situation.But protect yourself from any come back.

Answer 2

You might look at the local Vulnerable person abuse policy for your service. refer to Social services who have more experience in this one. Patient can be empowered legally, financially, socially and emotionally but it is not easy. Patient might not want to cause problems and needs to see it as abuse rather than loving relationship. Having an advocate or a supporter will help, but final decision will rest with the individual.

Answer 3

It is a wise nurse who knows how to summon her resources to achieve a desired result. Nothing is ever done by oneself in these matters. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance and for guidance to find balance and good sense in this advocacy. There is so much you can do, but you have to work with others to bring it about. You know the support team around you far better than I do, and of course there are trained professionals at hospital who will aim you in the right direction. Either call or visit hospital and let them steer you in the right direction to help this elder soul. This positive advocacy you wish to exercise on her behalf will find resonance when you get the information of which you are aware to the right eyes and brains. Strength in numbers. Remember right now how good you are going to feel in your heart when your actions have had a major part to play in getting this person the help she so clearly needs. Good luck to you. All you have to do is keep going and keep finding out new things and eventually those invisible scales will tip ever so slightly and you will know exactly what needs to be done. The wise nurse in you will only permit that to be done with and by the help of others. There is absolutely no reason why all of this should fall only on your shoulders. Please have a pleasant evening, now.

Answer 4

by acting as a go- between and help the lady stand up to her son. Give the patient the right information to make their own choices and allow them access to other people who may be able to help them.

Answer 5

Chris beat me to it earlier with the answer of 'Advocacy,' though your obviously in a predicament and liable to leave yourself open to accusations.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure that the rest of the earlier advice here will help you with idea on which roads to take.

Best of luck ...to you and the patient.

Answer 6

Inform social services as you need to protect yourself.Her son could quite easily pass the blame to you.Good Luck

Answer 7

difficult. I can only think that maybe she isn't seeing it so you could gently (without putting yourself at risk) help her see what is going on and that she doesn't have to play along. she then has the power to let it continue or cut him off. Very difficult in disfunctional relationships!!!! good luck.