Ali Elizabeth

“The Importance of Advocating for the Ones We Love”

If you’ve ever sat beside a hospital bed holding the hand of someone you love, then you know how overwhelming medical situations can feel. There are doctors making rounds, nurses checking medications, machines beeping constantly, and more information being thrown around than most people can process in a moment of stress. In those moments, one of the most important things we can do for the people we love is advocate for them.

Now, advocating does not mean being demanding or bossy. There is a big difference between telling healthcare providers how to do their jobs and simply helping them understand the person they are caring for. Doctors and nurses are trained professionals, but family members often know the patient in ways a chart never could.

I’ve learned this personally through taking care of my grandma over the years. When she ends up in the hospital, I feel a strong responsibility to be there with her. Not because I think I know more than the medical staff, but because I know her. I know what calms her down when she’s anxious. I know how to explain the things the doctors are saying in a way she will understand. I know what works. 

Healthcare workers carry such a heavy load, and most truly want what is best for the people they care for. But they also cannot know every small detail about someone’s personality, habits, fears, or needs. That’s where loved ones can step in with kindness and information that helps everyone work together better.

I used to worry about coming across as difficult when I spoke up for my grandma. But over time, I realized that respectful advocacy is actually an act of love. It is paying attention. It is protecting someone when they feel vulnerable. It is making sure they feel seen and heard during moments that can feel scary and uncertain. And in all honesty, it’s safety. Nurses and staff are overworked and understaffed and mistakes happen. When I’m here, I can help prevent mistakes from happening to my grandma.

Some people may not have family members able to sit with them during long hospital stays. Others may struggle to communicate their needs on their own. That is why advocacy matters so much. A familiar voice, a gentle reminder, or someone willing to ask one extra question can make all the difference.

At the end of the day, I don’t believe advocating is about control. It is about compassion. It is about standing beside the people we love and saying, “You are not alone in this.”