What Does a Patient Advocate Do?

Patient advocates serve as trusted allies in navigating health systems, coordinating care, and making informed decisions. We support older adults, individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and their care partners through complex medical, emotional, and logistical challenges.

We advocate for person-centered care, helping individuals retain autonomy and quality of life while ensuring that care decisions align with their values and evolving needs.

Our Advocacy Services Include:

 

Medical Care Navigation

We help clients:

• Understand diagnoses and treatment options—including progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other forms of dementia

• Prepare for and attend medical appointments

• Coordinate care across doctors, specialists, and facilities

• Ask the right questions and seek second opinions when needed

• Organize essential medical documents and care instructions

• Design and implement a care organization system tailored to each client’s unique situation
• Address any safety concerns regarding transportation, doctor visits, home care, assisted care, and daily life.

We ensure no one has to face a healthcare decision alone.

 

Transitions of Care

Whether returning home after hospitalization, moving to assisted living, or considering hospice, transitions can be overwhelming. We:

• Help clients and families evaluate care options with a focus on what’s best for their current and future needs

• Coordinate discharge planning and post-acute services

• Manage logistics around moves, real estate, and continuity of care

• Advocate for quality, person-centered support during each phase, including transitions commonly faced by those living with dementia

 

Advanced Care & Long-Term Planning

We assist with:

• Long-term care planning based on diagnosis, goals, and family dynamics

• Preparing for future care needs while honoring independence and preferences

• Collaborating with elder law attorneys and financial advisors

• Guiding families through Medicaid eligibility and planning while protecting assets

• Proactively planning for cognitive decline to ensure medical, legal, and financial protections are in place before a crisis

 

Education & Support for Care Partners

We empower families by:

• Offering 1-on-1 coaching and support for care partners, especially those caring for loved ones with dementia

• Educating about care options, prognosis, and symptom management

• Helping families build realistic, sustainable care plans

• Connecting clients to reliable community resources and dementia-specific support networks

 

Referrals to Trusted Professionals

Our network of trusted partners includes:

• Elder law attorneys

• Financial planners

• Home care and care management professionals

• Caregiver support services

• End-of-life services

We make warm referrals to those we know and trust, ensuring continuity of care even when we’re not the expert you need.

 

Is Patient Advocacy Right for You?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by medical decisions, coordinating care for a loved one with dementia or another complex diagnosis, or planning for future needs, a board-certified patient advocate can help. We listen, support, and guide—so you don’t have to face this journey alone.