Good Healthcare Starts with You

One area of health where our values come into play is your ability to eat and drink whatever you choose.

As we get older, our swallow starts to change. Sometimes our swallow is slower, or not as strong, but still functional. Other times, like in Parkinson's Disease or head & neck cancer, people have significant difficulty swallowing that effects their everyday lives.

Many people do not know much about swallowing and/or their rights, and this leads to doctor-directed care where the patient feels as if they are being told what to do. Some people are told they should they should never eat again and that they have to get a feeding tube.

Some people may choose to alter their diets in order to make swallowing more comfortable. Some may not. But it is their choice.

Swallowing is just one area in our health where it is important to partner with your healthcare team and make informed, shared decisions that are based on your values and what you want.

Shared decision-making means you participate in treatment decisions, consent to care, and get to change your mind at any time.

You have a right to education and information in clear and simple language.

You have a right to partner with healthcare providers to make decisions.

In our health care, we often feel like a passenger.

You are the driver…and your doctor is the navigator.

It’s your doctor and health care team’s job to read the map, chart a few routes, and give you the information you need to make decisions on how to get where you’re going.

It’s your job to drive the car, and make decisions based on information and your wishes and values.

You are not a passenger.

When it comes to your health, use the memory tool

I CHEWS

to put yourself in the driver’s seat.

"I choose"

Involve yourself

Actively participate in your health care decisions and clearly express your wants and needs.

When making decisions, think about your health and well-being, including your enjoyment and quality of life.

Choose wisely

Honor your values

Share what you value most at this time with your clinicians and health care team.

Educate yourself

Take time to understand all of your options, including the benefits and risks.

Work together with everyone on your care team – including clinicians and doctors as well as your loved ones and support system.

Work together

Ask questions so you can make informed decisions about your eating, drinking, and swallowing health care.

Speak up

Making health care decisions your way:

3 steps to take right now

Reflect on your values

Talk about it

Use I CHEWS

Community Outreach

I-CHEWS is a volunteer-based public health education program in New Hampshire aimed to educate and empower adults to take control of their healthcare by participating in informed-decision making. If you would like our team to come present this information to your community, please contact us at ichews.team@gmail.com