For hospital personnel, we may be operating on the "other side" for the first time in our lives and lack the authority and perhaps the detachment to effectively "make medical things happen." There are many books authored by doctors describing this very challenge when they found themselves horizontal and dressed in the lovely backside revealing hospital gown...

• a medical dictionary (containing terms and their definitions);
• The Pill Book (a home/lay person version of the Physician's Desk Reference);
• The Merck Manual of Medical Information (information on medical conditions);
• basic and advanced first aid manuals;
• Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide (information on treatments that are not considered "conventional" and typically are not reimbursed by insurance companies without LOTS of agonizing effort!); and, of course,
• Hospital Stay Handbook: A Guide to Becoming A Patient Advocate for Your Loved Ones. If you do not have time to read all these materials cover to cover, at least scan the table of contents so you are familiar with what is contained in each.

The Internet is much easier to keep current and on it resides cutting-edge information. The caveat here, however, is caution. I am not a medical expert and would certainly not be comfortable endorsing any medically based sites. However, I have discovered sites that can provide excellent resource material for anyone stepping into the role of advocate. With acknowledgement that some of the following material is copied directly from each site, here are resources I have used and found extremely helpful. Many are critical to the research you will conduct online. When available, both phone and Internet access information are provided.

Be advised, all links functioned at the time article was written. The underlined sections represent my commentary. Apologies to all the worthy organizations not cited below...

Aging With Dignity
The Five Wishes document helps you express how you want to be treated if you are seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself. It is unique among all other Living Will and health agent forms because it looks to all of a person's needs: medical, personal, emotional and spiritual. Five Wishes also encourages discussing your wishes with your family and physician.

Five Wishes lets your family and doctors know -