May 8, 2025
Episode 07
If you’ve ever tried to advocate for a loved one in the hospital, especially from a distance, you know how overwhelming and emotional the experience can be. In this episode of Prescription for Admission, I had the privilege of speaking with Lisa Braxton—a gifted author, journalist, and daughter who walked the difficult road of caregiving for her elderly parents during their hospital stays.
This conversation isn’t just for caregivers—it’s for healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and anyone navigating the complexities of the modern hospital experience. Whether you’re currently in the thick of it or preparing for what’s ahead, I know you’ll walk away with real, heartfelt insight.
Episode Notes
We cover everything from hospital communication challenges to tech tools that can help, and the emotional reality many caregivers face but rarely talk about. Here’s a snapshot of what we covered:
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Lisa and I dove into the realities of long-distance caregiving—what it means to advocate for loved ones when you’re not physically present.
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We talked about the challenges of communicating with hospital care teams and making sure a patient’s needs are heard in a complex system.
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We opened up about the emotional toll of caregiving, especially when you’re juggling your own life and responsibilities.
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I loved hearing Lisa’s tips on using technology—like recording doctor updates or joining appointments via FaceTime—to stay connected from afar.
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Lisa shared helpful advice on finding the right rehab or care facility, including the importance of personal referrals and doing your homework.
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We also discussed the guilt many caregivers feel, and how to manage it through self-care and building a support system.
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Lisa’s journey is captured beautifully in her memoir, where she reflects on family, caregiving, and the many lessons she learned along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Here’s what we unpacked in this episode:
Patient advocacy is vital, especially when loved ones can’t speak up for themselves. - Technology in healthcare—even simple tools—can empower caregivers to communicate better.
- Caregiver support starts with self-awareness: take care of yourself to care for others.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, follow up, or call for updates—you are your loved one’s voice.
- Finding care facilities is hard, but personal referrals and transparency can go a long way.
- Sharing our stories helps others feel seen, supported, and less alone.
Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or right here on the website. I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you ever had to advocate for a loved one in the hospital?
Drop a comment or share your story. Let’s keep this conversation going.