INSPIRED by her son, a mother is championing health literacy to effectively navigate his complex health challenges and advocate for informed care.
Joshua Mitchell, known to those around him as Joshy, was born with multiple disabilities and complex health conditions which have grown in severity as he has grown older.
His mother Toni is a strong advocate for him, and over the years has fought to break down barriers to improve health literacy for the benefit of her son.
“Before Joshy was born, my health literacy was very basic, but as he has grown and we have traversed his health issues and hospitals, surgeries and diagnoses, our health literacy has grown too,” Toni said.
Navigating the often complex healthcare system has been a learning curve for both Joshy and Toni.
“Over the years, I have learnt more, spoken up more and been much more involved in the decision-making process and discussions about what was happening with him,” she said.
“I have also been very involved in teaching the staff more about how to communicate directly with Joshy, so he has a say in what they are doing to him.”
Toni emphasised the significance of health literacy, stating that it enabled mother and son to provide informed, educated, and meaningful input into Joshy’s healthcare, ensuring their voices were heard.
“Joshy and I have both learnt to never blindly accept what we are told, but to actively participate in the conversations,” she said.
“Being health literate is more than understanding terms, but also knowing medicines, names, dosages and what they are for, the same for procedures and conditions.
“Ask questions, write down notes, practise and connect with others who can support you, and relay what staff have instructed to show your comprehension.”
Toni encouraged anyone who may feel overwhelmed at medical appointments to think about their health literacy and not to be afraid to speak up.
“It is OK to say no, to say wait, to ask for more information, and for it to be explained again or in a way that you understand,” she said.
“It’s also OK to ask for time to process things.”
