My mom was a chronically-ill person who was consistently seen on a regular basis by medical professionals. She tried to ask many questions to advocate for herself, as I always instilled this in her since I became a nurse. She had a two-week hospitalization that required me to be there each day, asking questions and requesting tests and helping to direct her care plan. She recovered from that hospitalization and thrived. Four months later, however, she went in for an elective outpatient procedure and never came out of the hospital. I was living out of state and was told by the medical staff there was no need to worry, no need to make the trip home as she was going to be upgraded “soon”. She died of respiratory failure due to aspiration. Since that time, I feel the need to help others advocate for their medical care to make sure they are receiving superior care. Patients need to be aware of their options, their rights, and the chance at the best possible outcome. My hope is to use my expertise as a nurse to advocate for patients, and help families navigate through the medical system to ensure their loved ones receive the highest level of care.

Additionally, I work with clients to assist with Power of Attorney and Living Will paperwork and help them with end-of-life planning. I can assist with Legacy projects, funeral/celebration of life planning, and educating client and families on end-of-life issues. As an Elder Care Consultant I can assist clients with medication management, education of the physician care plan and assessment of efficacy of the plan, assessing safety and independence in the home, and accompanying clients to physician appointments to help ask appropriate questions and maximize the time spent with the doctor.