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White Coat Wisdom: Best Practices for Care Partners
June 13, 2025 · 50 min

Do you ever feel dismissed or intimidated when advocating for your loved one in medical settings? That ends today.In Episode 2 of our 'Detroit Cares About Caregivers' series, medical providers share the importance of caregivers in the healthcare process. "I may know textbook, but you know your loved one," explains Dr. McNeill, Principal Investigator of the AGREED GWEP Program and the one who invited our team to create this insightful series!Dr. McNeill and her colleagues shared game-changing insights in this powerful exploration of the caregiver-provider relationship. From Detroit's innovative Rosa Parks Geriatric Center, medical professionals reveal what they wish every family caregiver understood about being true healthcare partners.The candid conversations unpack why the caregivers' perspective is invaluable in medical settings - not just welcomed, but essential. Dr. McNeill boldly repositions caregivers as "leaders of the healthcare team," pushing back against outdated hierarchies that diminish caregiver input. Meanwhile, geriatric specialists showcase thoughtful facility designs demonstrating how environments can better serve elderly patients and their caregivers.Whether you're a seasoned caregiver or new to supporting an aging loved one, these conversations offer a roadmap for confidently navigating medical partnerships. Stop feeling like an outsider in your loved one's care and start embracing your rightful position as an essential healthcare ally with the expert guidance in this episode.What conversation will you initiate with your loved one's healthcare provider after hearing these insights? Your voice matters more than you know.

For more information about the AGREED grant and resources for caregivers in Detroit, visit agreed.wayne.edu. 

Host: J Smiles Comedy

Producer: Mia Hall 

Editor: Annelise Udoye

This episode was filmed at Evry Media Studios in Detroit.  

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