Patient advocate to go with patient to chemotherapy?

Parent Cafe
1

<p>My aunt has breast cancer and has nobody available to take her and stay with her while she is preparing for and getting her chemotherapy. Someone suggested a patient advocate. </p>

<p>My aunt would like to have someone go with her to the oncologists and explain to her what all the medical terms mean, and tell her how to get ready for chemotherapy. And then she would need someone to drive her, stay with her, and drive her home afterwards. Plus maybe some emotional support too.</p>

<p>What are the qualifications of a patient advocate. I feel like they should have some medical or nursing background. And what will it cost? Covered by insurance?</p>

2

<p>A patient advocate need not have a formal education. There are volunteer advocates (women who’ve been through breast cancer may be willing to advocate for someone just starting the process) and paid advocates. I suggest she ask the staff at the oncologist’s office if they know of a support group that can help her.</p>

3

<p>Good Idea, maybe call the American Cancer Society, they can suggest volunteers or maybe paid advocates.</p>