3 Advocate, advocate!
Advocating can take place on different levels in that it can involve you being assertive in conversations and encounters as well as contacting people and organisations to advocate on your behalf.
Before you look at some examples of both it is worth bearing in mind the following. You can’t assume professionals will make the right decisions! Remember that you are an expert in the support of the your relative. You spend longest with the person and have insights and information that professionals will not have. You know their history and achievements, their likes and dislikes, what they enjoy doing, what help they need and what works best for them. You support and care for them when they have a bad day (or night). These insights are important information for social care professionals.