Rhonda Shrum - Patient Advocate

What exactly is a professional patient advocate?

They are often individuals that help seniors with a variety of issues, including those related to medical, financial, and insurance problems. They may work out of an office, but will usually make home or facility visits. They may be part of a larger agency or can work independently. The best ones are kind, knowledgeable, and result-driven when it comes to getting your senior's needs met. They are working on behalf of the senior to help them understand what the doctor and care team are communicating to them about their medical needs.

A patient advocate is never trying to diagnose or persuade the senior, they are only trying to help them understand the choices available to them and then try to help them implement those according to the doctor/care team's instructions. When everyone is working together and on the same page, it can allow the senior to have a better quality and longevity of life on their own terms.