The Caregiver’s Advocate Book
“Empower Yourself in an Ageist Healthcare System” by Dr. Mara Karpel
In this powerful and personal chapter, psychologist and caregiver coach Dr. Mara Karpel shares her firsthand experience advocating for her mother during a critical hospital stay—one in which her mother’s survival depended not just on treatment, but on overcoming a dismissive and ageist healthcare system. Dr. Mara describes the shocking behavior of an attending physician who repeatedly ignored her mother’s clear will to live, denied critical care, and attempted to pressure the family into hospice prematurely. Through unwavering advocacy and the intervention of a cardiologist who listened, Mara’s mother received the treatment she needed and went on to live two more full years.
Dr. Mara then equips readers with practical tools for effective healthcare advocacy. She outlines how to recognize and push back against ageism, communicate assertively with care teams, and prioritize the desires of the person receiving care. Her strategy includes seeking allies, being informed about patient rights, and remaining realistically optimistic. She emphasizes the need for caregiver self-compassion, resilience, and community, reminding readers that advocacy is both a vital act of love and a powerful challenge to a biased system. Dr. Mara empowers caregivers to speak up, stay grounded, and fight for the dignity and voice of those they love.
Other Books by Dr. Mara
The Passionate Life: Creating Vitality and Joy at Any Age
Dr. Mara’s Internationally Best-Selling Book, The Passionate Life: Creating Vitality & Joy at Any Age, is a guide for all who want to live a more vital, joyful life! After all, Passion, Joy, and Vitality are not just for the young! They are meant for the young at heart no matter what our age.
Download Your FREE Guide to 10 Ways to Living the Passionate Life as a Family Caregiver
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