When caring for someone with schizophrenia, it’s crucial to stay connected with their care team. Frank Chen, MD, chief medical officer at Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, emphasizes the importance of checking in frequently.
This can be challenging, especially if the person you’re caring for is reluctant to seek treatment or involve you in their care. Chen, drawing from personal experience with his brother’s diagnosis of schizophrenia, stresses the need for open communication with the health care team.
How to Stay in the Loop
Here are some strategies to ensure you are well-informed about their care:
Get your paperwork organized. Encourage your loved one to fill out an information release form from their medical provider. This allows the provider to discuss their medical care with you. They can also designate you as their health care proxy to make decisions on their behalf if needed. Even if they are unwilling to sign the forms, there are alternative ways to stay involved in their care, according to Chen.
It’s beneficial to prepare a list of questions or topics to discuss with the provider, as suggested by Velligan. These might include symptoms, medication response, changes since the last appointment, and any other relevant observations.
Encourage your loved one to communicate as much as possible during appointments, but ensure your questions and concerns are addressed. Stay in touch between appointments to report side effects, medication issues, or worsening symptoms to their doctor, even without explicit consent.
If you encounter difficulties reaching the provider, persistence is key, advises Chen.
If legally permitted, provide the hospital staff with the full medical history of your loved one. Inform them about any changes in symptoms since admission to aid in their assessment and treatment planning.
Be aware that psychotic episodes may recur post-hospitalization, especially if medication adherence is compromised. Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing support and treatment.