Community resources: - Christiana Care Health System

Take control of your health (speak up)Your health is too important to worry about being embarrassed if you don’t understand somethingthat your home care professional tells you. Speak up if you have questions or concerns. If you don’tunderstand, ask again. It’s your body and you have a right to know.Pay attention to ensure you receive the right treatment and medication by the righthome care staff.Expect home care workers to introduce themselves when they enter your home and look fortheir identification badges.Make sure your home care professional confirms your identity before administering anymedication or treatment.Tell your home care professional if you think you are about to receive the wrong medication ortherapy, if you receive equipment you don’t think you need, or if you think he or she hasconfused you with another patient.Make sure your home care organization has a 24-hour telephone number you can call withquestions or complaints.Notice whether home care workers wash their hands. Don’t be afraid to remind your caregiverto do this – hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection.Educate yourself about your diagnosis, treatment and services you will receive. Youare the center of the health care team.Gather information about your condition. Good sources include your doctor, your home careorganization, your library or respected websites and support groups.Write down important facts your doctor tells you about the home care services you will receive,so that you can look for additional information later. Ask your doctor for any writteninformation you can keep.Read and understand all forms before you sign them. If you don’t understand, ask your homecare staff person to explain them.Ask for training for yourself or a responsible family member on proper use and care of anymedical equipment such as a suction machine, oxygen or wheel chair used in your home. Ifyou use oxygen, do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke near you while oxygen is in use.Understand that more treatments or medications are not always better. Ask your home careprofessional what a new treatment or medication is likely to achieve.5