Being a care consumer today.

Have you ever struggled with finding a good doctor for yourself? You're suffering from an ailment, you go to a doctor. Post diagnosis, which is a very brief 5 minute conversation after usually at least an hour of pre-meeting wait; you are either anxious while trying to describe your malady, or you have walked out having forgotten some vital information such as a medical co-morbidity or even a history of you as a patient.

Post-prescription after a slew of tests, you are struggling with either having partially fixed it, or the condition persisting despite a course of meds. You iterate patiently while your body struggles with side effects, unaddressed conditions and drug interactions.

This is how it is for most people.

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, the role of a care consumer has taken on a new level of significance. Being a care consumer today means actively engaging with the diverse systems and services that offer care and support to individuals and communities. Whether you're seeking medical attention, educational support, mental health services, or simply striving to maintain your overall well-being, being a care consumer involves a complex interplay of choices and responsibilities.

Personal Empowerment:

At its core, being a care consumer is about taking control of your own health, education, and quality of life. This empowerment extends to making informed choices, advocating for your needs, and actively participating in your care.

Effective communication is vital in being a care consumer. It involves discussing your needs and preferences with healthcare providers, teachers, or social workers. It also means advocating for your rights and ensuring that your voice is heard within the care system.

Informed Decision-Making:

In our digital age, individuals have unprecedented access to information. As a care consumer, you can research and evaluate healthcare providers, treatment options, and educational institutions to make informed choices. It's essential to understand the available alternatives and select what aligns with your values and needs. But with seniors, this is virtually impossible. They cannot read up online, they cannot make an online App appointment with a physician. So these are really significant constraints.

Proactive Health and Wellness:

Being a care consumer means adopting a proactive approach to health and wellness. This involves preventive care, regular check-ups, and taking personal responsibility for maintaining one's physical and mental well-being, to reduce the need for reactive care.

Navigating a Complex System:

Modern healthcare, education, and social support systems can be intricate and sometimes challenging to navigate. Care consumers need to understand the intricacies of insurance, treatment plans, educational curricula, and support services to make the most of what is available.

This is and always has been, a mountain to climb for even the most literate, young and well informed patient today. So what of people who are otherwise on all counts? People who are underprivileged, who are sans insurance, who do not have access to information, or a good physician.

The word accessibility cannot encompass all of the super 7 points related to what it entails to make healthcare available to every single patient. It at best targets a few core aspects.

Care consumers must navigate the economic aspects of care, including the cost of healthcare, education, and other services. Understanding your financial options, such as insurance and government assistance programs, is essential in making care decisions.

Care consumers are not limited to individual health. They also play a role in building a more caring and inclusive society. Being involved in community support, volunteering, and advocating for social change can be part of this role.

In a diverse world, being a care consumer involves recognizing and respecting cultural differences in care practices. It means finding care providers who are culturally competent and being open to culturally appropriate care when necessary.

Adapting to Technological Advances:

In today's digital age, being a care consumer means embracing technological advancements, such as telemedicine, online education, and health-tracking apps. Staying informed about these tools and using them to your advantage can enhance the quality and accessibility of care.

The onus here lies on the Payers to educate, to make information broadcasts, especially with preventable diseases, vaccines and support communities in case of mental health. The onus lies with provider networks as well. Hitherto it has been apportioned in parts across the value chain and loses impact save for literate patients.

Sustainability:

Being a care consumer today also means considering the sustainability of care systems. This includes reducing waste, making eco-friendly choices, and supporting initiatives that promote the long-term health of both individuals and the planet.

In conclusion, being a care consumer in today's world is not a passive role but an active and dynamic one. It involves taking charge of your own well-being, making informed choices, advocating for your needs, and contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community. It's about understanding the complexities of the care systems and adapting to the changing landscape of healthcare, education, and social support, all while keeping an eye on personal, community, and environmental sustainability. This role is an integral part of the modern, interconnected world, and it carries a significant responsibility to shape the future of care and well-being for all.

Needless to add, if you can support an underprivileged, uninformed and a clueless patient who needs it, take it up unequivocally. Volunteer information, knowledge of what care giving today is all about, post Covid. Post AI into health. Educate in community groups, in churches, in shelters and in senior living homes.

This is the need of the hour - how we evangelize today's care giving.