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How can I get a patient advocate or social worker?

I need someone to manage my life, perhaps find a home I could go into. I am feeling sick, crazy, completely unable to function. The best I could do was the social worker who visited me on request (it took 24 hours while I lay on a short gurney) while I was in the ER recently. He told me he could do nothing for me. Then he gave me a sack of complicated looking forms and pamphlets and told me to read them "when you have the time." I can't easily figure out anything. I came home, put the sack next to my bed. Today I was determined to read at least some of it somehow but...I have lost the sack. I searched and searched. I don't know where it went. In a way I am relieved, because in the shape I am in, it would have baffled and frustrated me and set off another panic attack.

I belong to Kaiser. Supposedly there ARE patient advocates but I cannot get in touch with any and no one seems to know anything.
greenmountaingal · 70-79, F
Update: Found pamphlets, sorted them out. One booklet was semi-useful. However, it lists hundreds of Board and Care homes and I am not able to make hundreds of phone call nor drive around that much to check them out. Still believe I need a social worker. My Kaiser therapist is a psychiatric social worker. When I see her next, I will appeal to her for help.
greenmountaingal · 70-79, F
@Fernie Thank you. I won't give up. The meds are helping. I have another appointment with my psychiatrist coming up, and in another couple of weeks will see the psychiatric social worker.

Every day I tell myself to be grateful that I live in a beautiful quiet safe place. Things could be worse. Right now science is working hard on a cure or effective treatment for UTIs. Many new antibiotics and a vaccine are on the fast track at the FDA. There is already a vaccine available in Germany. I'm taking a lot of d-mannose which helps a bit. And I force myself to walk each day.

Thank you so much for your concern. It helps to know people care.
Fernie · F
@greenmountaingal I do care. I know it will all come together for you
greenmountaingal · 70-79, F
@Fernie Thank you. I am trying. And your support helps.
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greenmountaingal · 70-79, F
@Pianist1234 OK with me. Thanks for the good wishes.
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SW-User
This makes me sad. People at the hospital can help you.
greenmountaingal · 70-79, F
@SW-User Lol!!! I was there for 48 hours. Was told by everyone--doctors, nurses, social worker--that they can do nothing for me. I don't meet any of their criteria for getting any help of any kind.
SW-User
@greenmountaingal Here you would get help if you were dysfunctional as you said above.
Fernie · F
@SW-User did you read her post details?
Fernie · F
If there is a Senior Center/ Council on Aging anywhere near you...I strongly suggest you go there for help

 
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