The relationship between health team members, especially people and their clinicians and caregivers, frequently arises as a topic of this blog. Let me share with you one of the values of Advocates. I work for Advocates as VP of Quality. We express our values in Advocates Way. Advocates provides person-centered, community-based support services to individuals and families with mental illness, addictions, developmental disabilities, brain injury, and other challenges in living.
A Powerful Union
We strive to foster relationships in which the person feels understood, is respected as an expert about his or her own life, and takes a leading role in all decision-making and planning that could affect that person’s life.
We see each person we serve as a “guide” whose experience, wisdom and perspective are unique and vital to our mutual success. When a person’s expertise about her or his own life is combined with our knowledge and resources in an atmosphere of hope, collaboration and mutual respect, truly marvelous things can happen.
We encourage and support people to take charge of their own lives. We do this even when the path a person chooses includes an element of risk and decisions which may cause us concern. We believe that all experiences – successes and challenges alike – result in growth, learning, and change.
Isn’t that sweet! A constant challenge to live.
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although this is specific to those in mental health it would be an excellent inclusion for all patient/patient advocate/institutional mission statements (posted also on blog)