Prescription for Admission: A Caregiver's Guide to Navigating Hospital Stays, Medical Advocacy and Better Experiences in Heal

Dr. Monique Nugent
  • 4.6 (10)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Are you struggling to care for your parents’ medical needs and find their hospital admissions end in more frustration than help? If you’re tired of managing hospital admissions alone. Dr. Nugent will guide you through each stage of a hospitalization so you can plan ahead and advocate for your parents to get the best care possible. Tune in to discover how to get the best possible care for your parents while navigating the hospital admission and discharge process. If you're ready to feel less overwhelmed during a hospitalization. Hit play on the most recent episode NOW.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 63: How Family Caregivers Can Avoid Hospital Chaos Through Better Advocating & Insurance Coordination

    What if doing more for your aging loved one isn’t always the same thing as doing what’s best for them? In this episode of Prescription for Admission, I’m joined by geriatrician and memory specialist Dr. Mia Yang for a conversation I’ve been looking forward to having for a long time. We talk about what a geriatrician is and why seeking a geriatric specialist matters, especially when an older adult has multiple medical conditions, is experiencing functional changes, or is showing signs of memory loss. One of the biggest things I want families to take away from this conversation is that more is not always better. Sometimes our job is to step back and ask: Is this treatment going to extend someone’s lifespan, or improve their healthspan—the amount of time they live with independence and quality of life? We also talk about what happens after a hospitalization and why an older adult may leave the hospital looking very different than how they did before the hospital, and that it can take weeks or even months to understand what their new baseline will be. And then there’s delirium. I see it all the time in the hospital, and I know how frightening it can be for families. Dr. Yang shares a simple framework called YES DEAR that provides families and clinicians with a practical way to think through common contributors to delirium. Yes DEAR: D: drugs E: ears/eyes - hearing aides/glasses A: ambulate R: retention of urine or stool About Dr. Mia Yang Dr. Mia Yang is a geriatrician and memory specialist passionate about the care of older adults and their families, particularly those living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. She is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine with extensive clinical experience in caring for patients in the home, memory clinics, and hospital settings. She hosts and produces her own podcast, Ask Dr. Mia: Navigating Dementia Caregiving, to spread knowledge about memory loss, dementia, and caregiving, particularly for sandwich-generation caregivers for their aging parents. She was inspired to launch the podcast after her own experience supporting her late mother with metastatic cancer and Parkinson's disease. Connect with Dr. Mia at www.miayangmd.com Listen to her Podcast: Ask Dr. Mia: Navigating Dementia Caregiving, available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or directly on her website. Follow her on social media: Facebook, Instagram. Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

    Episode 63: How Family Caregivers Can Avoid Hospital Chaos Through Better Advocating & Insurance Coordination

  2. Aug 11

    #23 - Quick Tip: Why Access to an Acute Psychiatric Hospital Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think

    What happens when your loved one needs to go from an acute medical hospital to an acute psychiatric hospital? In this quick tip, I’m breaking down what an acute psychiatric hospital actually is, how it differs from an acute medical hospital, and why getting your loved one there can sometimes be incredibly difficult. One of the biggest challenges is access. There simply aren’t enough psychiatric hospital beds in many communities, and specialized care—like geriatric psychiatry—can be even harder to find. If you’re already in the hospital and you’re starting to think, “My loved one is medically better, but they’re still not safe to go home,” I want you to understand what needs to happen next and why it’s important to start planning early. In this episode, I explain: What acute psychiatric care looks like and how it differs from the medical care your loved one is receiving in the hospital.Why access can make psychiatric transfers so difficult, including limited beds, distance, and the need for specialized psychiatric care.How you can start planning early by connecting with the psychiatry team, hospitalist, and social work so you’re not waiting until the last minute to figure out where your loved one needs to go. Listen to this quick tip so you can better understand the acute psychiatric hospital transfer process and know what steps to take early to help your loved one get the care they need. Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

    #23 - Quick Tip: Why Access to an Acute Psychiatric Hospital Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think

  3. Aug 6

    Episode 29: How Emergency Room Preparation for Caregivers Leads to Stronger Hospital Advocacy for Loved Ones & Avoiding Hospital Mistakes

    What would you do if your loved one had to go to the emergency room tonight—would you feel ready or completely overwhelmed? If you’re caring for an aging parent or loved one, emergency visits aren’t a matter of if—they’re a matter of when. And without the right preparation, these moments can quickly turn into confusion, stress, and even preventable medical errors. This episode breaks down exactly how Emergency Room Preparation for Caregivers can strengthen Hospital Advocacy for Loved Ones while Avoiding Hospital Mistakes before they happen. By listening, you’ll learn: How to prepare critical medical information that protects your loved one during any emergencyWhy strong Hospital Advocacy for Loved Ones can directly improve outcomes and reduce stressPractical steps for Avoiding Hospital Mistakes, including medication safety and support systems Press play now to learn how to walk into any emergency room with clarity, confidence, and a plan that protects your loved one. Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

  4. Aug 4

    #22 - Quick Tip: What Really Happens During a Hospital Transfer That Affects Your Discharge Safety

    Are you assuming a hospital transfer will be quick and easy when the time comes for discharge? If you or a loved one ends up in the hospital, you might think getting transferred to another facility is simple—but that belief can seriously impact your discharge safety. In this quick tip, Dr. Monique Nugent breaks down why hospital transfers are far more complicated than admissions, and how misunderstanding the process can lead to delays, frustration, and unsafe outcomes. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why hospital transfer delays are one of the biggest hidden barriers to safe dischargeWhat hospitals actually consider before approving a transfer—and why they can say noHow to protect your discharge safety by planning and choosing the right facility from the start Listen now to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your hospital transfer and discharge are handled safely. Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

    #22 - Quick Tip: What Really Happens During a Hospital Transfer That Affects Your Discharge Safety

  5. Jul 30

    Episode 42: Stop Choosing Urgent Care Over the Emergency Department (ER) for Your Loved One

    Are you putting your loved one at risk by choosing urgent care when they actually need the ER? When you’re in the middle of a stressful medical situation, every second counts—and so does the decision of where to go. Many caregivers default to urgent care for speed and convenience, especially with long ER wait times. But what most people don’t realize is that choosing the wrong setting can delay critical treatment, limit access to life-saving resources, and impact long-term outcomes. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to confidently choose between urgent care and the emergency room based on real symptoms—not guessworkThe critical limitations of urgent care that most caregivers only discover when it’s too lateHow the care setting you choose can directly affect diagnosis speed, treatment quality, and recovery outcomes If you’ve ever hesitated in a medical emergency or worried about making the wrong call, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to act fast and protect the people who matter most. Listen now to make smarter, safer care decisions when every moment matters. About Dr. Emily Gorman Emily Gorman, MD, is a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. She has worked for over 10 years as a staff physician in the Emergency Department at South Shore Hospital, a busy Community Hospital. She is currently starting a Health Care Advocacy business as an additional way to help patients navigate the increasingly complex medical field. She studied at Boston University for Medical School and at Boston Medical Center for her Residency. Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning. Visit my website: www.drmoniquenugent.com Follow me on socials: Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent TikTok/@drmoniquenugent

    Episode 42: Stop Choosing Urgent Care Over the Emergency Department (ER) for Your Loved One

  6. Jul 28

    #12 - Quick Tip: The Key to Safer Hospital Stays in Elder Care

    Are you waiting too long to speak up during a hospital stay and paying for it later? If you are caring for an aging parent, spouse, or loved one, those first few hours in the hospital matter more than most people realize. I see this all the time. Small things get missed early on, and before you know it, you are dealing with sleep deprivation, hospital delirium, confusion at night, or even a longer hospital stay than expected. The good news is this. You can change that outcome just by knowing what to ask for and when to ask for it. In this episode, I walk you through what I call the “ask up front” approach. This is one of the most powerful strategies caregivers can use to protect their loved one during a hospital stay. When you speak up early, you can help prevent complications, reduce risks, and create a much safer and calmer experience. We will talk about the exact requests you should be making on day one. This includes things like choosing the right hospital room setup, protecting healthy sleep routines, and making sure the right equipment is in place from the start. These are simple steps, but they can make a significant difference in preventing hospital delirium in older adults and avoiding unnecessary setbacks. By the end of this episode, you will walk away knowing how to: Prevent hospital delirium and nighttime confusion in seniors by advocating earlyImprove sleep and reduce stress during a hospital stay for elderly patientsAvoid common hospital mistakes that lead to longer stays and increased risk If you have ever felt unsure about how to advocate for your loved one in the hospital, this episode will give you clarity and confidence. These are the same conversations I encourage my own patients and their families to have. Press play to learn how speaking up early can protect your loved one, support better outcomes, and give you real peace of mind during a hospital stay. Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

    #12 - Quick Tip: The Key to Safer Hospital Stays in Elder Care

  7. Jul 21

    #21 - Quick Tip: How To Protect Your Medication Safety Without Relying on the Hospital Formulary

    Ever been told to bring your own medication to the hospital and wondered why? If you or someone you love is going into the hospital, you might assume the hospital will have every medication you take. That is not always the case. Hospitals have formularies, which are essentially lists of the medications they keep available. Sometimes, the specific medication you take may not be on that list. That can lead to delays, confusion, or even missed doses if everyone is not on the same page. In this episode, Dr. Nugent explains what you need to know about hospital formularies and what you can do to help make sure your medications are handled safely during a hospital stay. You’ll learn: Why some medications may not be available in the hospital and how that can affect your careWhat you should know about bringing your own medications and how they need to be verified before they can be givenCommon mistakes to avoid so you can help prevent medication delays and safety issues Listen to the episode to better understand how hospital formulary rules work and how you can be an informed advocate for yourself or your loved one when it comes to getting the right medications at the right time. Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

    #21 - Quick Tip: How To Protect Your Medication Safety Without Relying on the Hospital Formulary

  8. Jul 16

    Episode 59: How A Cancer Survivor Went From Patient To Advocate By Helping Caregivers Navigate Hospitalization

    What if the hardest part of a cancer hospitalization isn’t just the treatment — but the waiting, uncertainty, isolation, and pressure placed on patients and caregivers? A cancer diagnosis changes everything, and hospitalization can create a completely different set of challenges for families. From planned admissions and infusion days to unexpected hospital stays, caregivers often find themselves trying to support their loved one while also managing their own stress, emotions, and exhaustion. In this episode of Prescription for Admission, Dr. Monique Nugent speaks with Joelle Kaufman, host of Kicking Cancer’s Ass Podcast, about the realities of navigating cancer hospitalization from both the patient and caregiver perspectives. Together, they discuss how families can prepare for hospital stays, communicate needs, create boundaries around visitors, and support each other through some of life’s most difficult moments. Listeners will learn: How to prepare for the waiting, uncertainty, and emotional challenges that come with cancer hospitalization.How caregivers can support their loved one while also protecting their own physical and emotional well-being.How to have difficult conversations about treatment decisions, quality of life, and honoring what matters most to the patient. Listen to this episode to discover practical ways to make cancer hospitalization feel less overwhelming and help patients and caregivers feel more supported, prepared, and connected. About Joelle Kauffman: Prescription for Admission is a podcast for Gen X and Millennial family caregivers navigating the healthcare system and medical system for loved ones living with conditions like diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline, helping them understand hospital care, navigate hospital stays, work effectively with doctors and specialists, organize medical records, connect with a case manager, seek a second opinion, become an effective medical advocate, and improve care coordination and discharge planning. Visit my website: ⁠⁠www.drmoniquenugent.com⁠⁠ Shop & Resources: The Shop: Get the Book and other Advocacy Resources Hospital Smart Packages: Choose the perfect Hospital Smart Package for yourself Follow us on socials for daily advocacy tips: ⁠⁠Instagram/@the_happiest_hospitalist⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook/DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn/DrMoniqueNugentMDMPH⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube/@DrMoniqueNugent⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok/@drmoniquenugent⁠ Support the Show If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Your support helps us reach more people who need a map through the hospital maze. Prescription for Admission is a resource to help you navigate healthcare with confidence. Remember, you are your own best advocate.

    Episode 59: How A Cancer Survivor Went From Patient To Advocate By Helping Caregivers Navigate Hospitalization
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Are you struggling to care for your parents’ medical needs and find their hospital admissions end in more frustration than help? If you’re tired of managing hospital admissions alone. Dr. Nugent will guide you through each stage of a hospitalization so you can plan ahead and advocate for your parents to get the best care possible. Tune in to discover how to get the best possible care for your parents while navigating the hospital admission and discharge process. If you're ready to feel less overwhelmed during a hospitalization. Hit play on the most recent episode NOW.

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