Medical Advocacy and Doctor Visit Support

Why older adults need an advocate

A typical appointment is short. Your dad may forget half of what he wanted to say, minimize his symptoms, or not hear the doctor clearly. He leaves with a new prescription and only a vague sense of why. Meanwhile his cardiologist, his kidney doctor and his primary care physician may each be adjusting his care without the full picture.

Older adults with several conditions, memory changes, hearing loss or mental illness are especially at risk of falling between the cracks. An advocate helps close those gaps.

Signs your loved one could use an advocate

• They see several specialists and nobody seems to be coordinating.
• They come home from appointments unsure what was said or what to do.
• Medications keep changing, or new symptoms appeared after a change.
• They have memory loss, a psychiatric condition or a disability that makes speaking up harder.
• A serious diagnosis or treatment decision is coming.
• Family members cannot take time off work to attend appointments.

What we do

Before the visit

We gather recent changes, symptoms and questions from your loved one and family. We bring an up-to-date medication list and any relevant records, so the doctor is not working from memory.

During the visit

We help your loved one tell their own story, filling in details they leave out. We ask questions about the purpose of each test or medication, side effects to watch for and what happens next. We take notes. We make sure your loved one stays at the center of the conversation, not talked over or around.

After the visit

We explain what was said in plain language, update the family, make sure prescriptions are filled and follow-up appointments are scheduled, and share information with other providers when appropriate. This is part of the medication and health services management we provide.

In the hospital

Hospitals are busy, and older patients can decline quickly with delirium, falls or missed medications. We visit, talk with nurses and doctors, raise concerns and help the family plan for what comes after. Our hospital discharge planning service picks up from there.

Advocacy with facilities and programs

Advocacy is not only about doctors. We also speak up for your loved one with assisted living communities, nursing homes, rehab facilities, group homes and residential programs. When care plans are not being followed, a resident's needs have changed or communication has broken down, we can step in, meet with staff and push for solutions.

Why our background helps

Lisa and Kim have each worked for more than 30 years in settings that include medical and psychiatric hospitals. We understand how these systems are organized, who makes which decisions and how to raise a concern so it gets heard. We are respectful with medical teams, and we are persistent when something is not right. Our mental health training also helps us recognize when depression, anxiety or confusion is affecting a person's health or decisions, which is something busy medical appointments often miss.

How it works with us

Medical advocacy can be a single appointment before a major decision, or a regular part of ongoing care management. We start with a free conversation and, for ongoing work, a care assessment so we fully understand your loved one's health history. With the right written permissions in place, we can speak directly with providers on your family's behalf.

What families tell us they value

Families tell us they value finally getting clear answers. They appreciate not having to take a day off work for every appointment, and still knowing exactly what happened. Older adults often say they feel more confident and less rushed with someone beside them who knows their history and is on their side.

Medical advocacy in North Jersey and Rockland County

We accompany clients to physician offices, hospitals and rehab facilities throughout Essex, Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Union, Hudson and northern Middlesex counties and in Rockland County, NY.